Pathological Demand Avoidance in Education

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum that can lead to significant challenges in education - often misunderstood by both families and professionals, and frequently unsupported by traditional approaches.

In this insightful and practical webinar, Ruth Fidler, a nationally respected expert in PDA and education, will explore how PDA presents in school-aged children and young people, and how we can work together across home and school to support their needs more effectively.

Designed for both parents and educators, this session will offer shared understanding and collaborative strategies that can reduce distress and foster success in educational settings.

We’ll cover:

• How PDA can affect learning, behaviour, and relationships
• Why conventional behaviour strategies often don’t work
• Approaches that reduce anxiety and increase engagement
• How schools and families can work in partnership

Whether you're a parent navigating the system or an educator looking for effective strategies, this webinar will provide the insight and tools to make education more accessible for PDA learners.

Why join live?

Attending live isn’t just about watching a webinar, it’s about being part of something powerful in real time.

Here’s what you get when you join us live at Sunshine Support:

✅ You get your questions answered…Our sessions always include a live Q&A with our expert speakers where you can ask what’s on your mind and get tailored advice that you won’t find on Google.

✅ You get to feel seen and understoodThere’s something special about joining other parents who get it. You’ll be in a room (virtually!) with people who understand the challenges you’re facing; they will share the same fears and challenges that you have and you’ll leave feeling less alone.

✅ You get practical takeaways you can use right awayWe don’t just talk theory. You’ll leave the webinar with real strategies and a better understanding of how to support your child.

✅ There is no pressure – just come as you areYour camera won’t be on so come in your PJs if that’s what’s comfy. Or you can listen in while doing the washing up or sitting with a cuppa. There’s no judgment, just support.

We get your life is unpredictable and you might not be able to make it – that’s OK. As long as you have purchased a ticket, we’ll send you the full replay within 24 hours of the webinar taking place.

The important bits you need to know:

• All webinars are recorded except where we explicitly state they will not be
• When you sign up, we will send you the link to the webinar. You’ll get reminder emails in the run-up to the event so long as you don’t unsubscribe from Eventbrite emails
• When you join the webinar your camera and microphone are automatically turned off so we cannot see or hear you.
• If you are delayed then don’t worry about joining late.
• If something comes up and you cannot make it then don’t worry as all ticketholders are sent a link to the recording of the webinar the next day. This is then available to you for 30 days.
• Slides, references and CPD certificates are also sent out the next day.
• Join live and you have the chance to ask any questions you might have.
• Any questions or queries, then please email them through to events@sunshine-support.org.uk

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the webinar are of the presenter and not Sunshine Support as an organisation. The information detailed on this page is accurate at the time of publishing. We reserve the right to change the speaker at any time. There maybe events outside of our control that contribute to this and our intention will always be to ensure the webinar goes ahead and meets the brief as closely as possible.