A learning difficulty that describes those whose main characteristic is to avoid everyday demands and expectations to an extreme extent.
Students typically have difficulties with:
following ordinary demands
appearing sociable on the surface but lacking depth of understanding
excessive mood swings, often changing suddenly
language delay, seemingly as a result of passivity, but often with a good degree of ‘catch-up’
obsessive behaviour - often focused on people, rather than things.
Teaching Strategies
Use indirect language
Processing time
Use the child's interests
Element of choice
Humour
Distraction techniques
Calm and relaxed approach
Be flexible and adaptable
Visual aids
Ear defenders
TImer
Feelings or emotions flashcards
Quiet space or Exit strategy
Rewards chart
Talk frames and writing frames
Extra time
Record home learning for them
Clear instructions before activities
Simple verbal instructions
Use signals for when a pupil becomes agitated
Examples of Resources and Classroom-Based Provision
Home/school book to record any key information
Visual timetable
Check lists and task lists that pupils can tick off as they work through them
Word banks/ crib sheets with definitions
Mind maps
Comic Strip conversations
Alternative ways to record ideas/ answers
Further Reading
Useful websites
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References:
PDA Society: Introduction to PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diHUmhPWXUY
National Autistic Society: PDA - a guide for parents and carers: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/pda/parents-and-carers
Cerebra: Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA): https://childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/pathological-demand-avoidance.pdf
PDA Society: A guide to the Pathological Demand Avoidance profile of autism: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/What-is-PDA-booklet-website-v2.1.pdf
St Martin's Areas of need QFT checklist: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16SamvYGDzL7eCB7229gGY0IjCqlrKXxiXtcu1bVlv-M/edit?usp=sharing
St Martin's QFT - Universal Provision: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lx4pRBu6vq1-eUj19J0fof4u40X9mHOFD30fX3S00og/edit?usp=sharing