PDA North America - Pathological Demand Avoidance

PDA North America - Pathological Demand Avoidance Our mission is bold. We want to spread awareness of PDA to parents, individuals, educators and therapists throughout the US and Canada.
(3)

Our mission is to provide advocacy, education, and resources to autistic PDA individuals, others who identify as PDA and their families along with the professionals who support them. We want families to have a place to turn for support and guidance. We want professionals to be able to receive training, consultation and information in order to effectively teach or treat PDAers. And we want PDAers to know that they are understood. In short, to build a strong and vibrant community for this underserved population.

Community Creations from the PDANA ConferenceDuring the PDA North America Conference this year, we created an invitation...
03/14/2026

Community Creations from the PDANA Conference

During the PDA North America Conference this year, we created an invitation for something simple: a low-demand art space.

Attendees were invited to interact with it however they wished — or not at all. There were no expectations, no instructions to follow, and no “right way” to participate. Some people wrote a word. Some drew something simple. Some started something and walked away. Others filled the page.

Every mark you see in this zine was created by members of our community who attended the conference in person. We’re so in love with this small digital collection from our community and excited to share it with you all. Thanks to all who participated! 💛

When PDA Looks Like Impossible DemandsSometimes a demand from a PDAer can feel… impossible. But what if those “outrageou...
03/14/2026

When PDA Looks Like Impossible Demands

Sometimes a demand from a PDAer can feel… impossible. But what if those “outrageous” requests are actually invitations to connect?

Learn more in PDA coach, PDA Parent and PDAer, Keri Schouten in her 2-part training on PDA Communication.

📥 We invite you to get started today! https://buff.ly/JErNIzv

Have you watched Finding Calm in the Chaos with Dr. Angele Close?🧠💬 How Internal Family Systems (IFS) Can Shift the Way ...
03/13/2026

Have you watched Finding Calm in the Chaos with Dr. Angele Close?

🧠💬 How Internal Family Systems (IFS) Can Shift the Way You Parent

Parenting is hard — but what if you could meet the chaos with calm, clarity, and confidence?

Join Dr. Angele Close for an insightful webinar exploring how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model can transform your parenting. You’ll learn how to:

✔️ Understand your inner world to reduce reactivity
✔️ Strengthen connection with your children
✔️ Lead from your calm, grounded Self
✔️ Apply IFS tools in everyday parenting moments

This is more than a theory — it’s a practical, powerful shift in how you show up as a parent.

🎥 Sign up here: https://buff.ly/xyOEUE1

What happens when hundreds of people who have felt misunderstood their whole lives finally find a room where they make p...
03/12/2026

What happens when hundreds of people who have felt misunderstood their whole lives finally find a room where they make perfect sense?

That was the 2026 PDA North America Conference.

Nearly 700 people gathered in Chicago for learning, connection, and community.

If you missed it live, conference recordings are now available.

🎥 Link to purchase the recordings is now live. Comment "2026 Conference" to read the full Conference reflection from PDANA Board President, Rachael Stern, and to get the direct link to purchase the recordings.

💬 Were you there with us? Tell us your favorite moment.

🧻 Toileting can be tough for PDAers — and you're not alone.Dr. Joy’s new on-demand webinar, PDA & P**p, is now live in t...
03/12/2026

🧻 Toileting can be tough for PDAers — and you're not alone.

Dr. Joy’s new on-demand webinar, PDA & P**p, is now live in the Learning Lab.

Learn why bathroom demands are hard, and get gentle, PDA-informed tools to make things easier for everyone.

🧠 Watch anytime: https://buff.ly/WQFT0iP

Burnt out from being the executive function for everyone else?Whether you’re an adult PDAer, a parent of a PDAer, or bot...
03/11/2026

Burnt out from being the executive function for everyone else?
Whether you’re an adult PDAer, a parent of a PDAer, or both, discover how AI can help share the load in PDA-affirming ways.

🎓 Using AI to Support Your PDA Journey
Facilitated by Kyle Wegner, parent of PDAers
🗓 April 16 | 7 PM CST

🎟️ Get tickets here: https://buff.ly/7R3a5Mc

🚨 Gifted ≠ Compliant🚨 Smart ≠ FlexibleWhen gifted and twice-exceptional kids experience PDA, traditional expectations ca...
03/10/2026

🚨 Gifted ≠ Compliant
🚨 Smart ≠ Flexible

When gifted and twice-exceptional kids experience PDA, traditional expectations can backfire.
Dr. Danika Maddocks () — Autistic, gifted PDAer; parent of PDAers; founder of Gifted Learning Lab — explores why demand avoidance shows up so intensely in bright, capable kids and what truly helps.

🎓 PDA in Gifted/Twice-Exceptional Kids and Teens
🗓 April 30th | 7 PM CST

🔗 Register here: https://buff.ly/30iNHGh

💛 FREE EVENT NEXT WEEK: Caregiver Friendships MatterCaring for a PDAer can be a lot. Having people who truly get it make...
03/09/2026

💛 FREE EVENT NEXT WEEK: Caregiver Friendships Matter

Caring for a PDAer can be a lot. Having people who truly get it makes all the difference.

Join this free webinar with Megan Champion () to connect with fellow caregivers, share stories, and build the kind of community that makes this journey feel a little lighter.

📅 March 19 | 7 PM CST | FREE to attend
🎟 Join us here: https://buff.ly/SBVs3Yg

TOMORROW 3/10: PDA & Fatherhood Monthly Support GroupMale-Identified Caregivers of PDAers: come hang out with fellow PDA...
03/09/2026

TOMORROW 3/10: PDA & Fatherhood Monthly Support Group

Male-Identified Caregivers of PDAers: come hang out with fellow PDAer/PDA Dad, PJ Starling, and other dads, grandfathers, and loved ones who really get it. ⚡

Swap stories, share wins (and challenges), and connect with guys navigating the twists of raising PDA kids.

🗓 Tuesday, March 10 | 7–8:30 PM CST
🎟 Sign up: https://buff.ly/80CNbkW

In the PDA Experience Report, hundreds of PDA adults (18+) shared their own experiences — in their own words.The results...
03/06/2026

In the PDA Experience Report, hundreds of PDA adults (18+) shared their own experiences — in their own words.

The results give us a powerful glimpse into how PDA shows up across adulthood: identity, support needs, burnout, relationships, and more.

Swipe to see what PDA adults reported about their own experiences.

💡 comment “PDA Experience Report” for a direct link to download the full report.

🗓 Coming next week!PDA & Fatherhood meets Mar 10 @ 7 PM CST — join PJ Starling () for community, empathy, and conversat...
03/02/2026

🗓 Coming next week!
PDA & Fatherhood meets Mar 10 @ 7 PM CST — join PJ Starling () for community, empathy, and conversation that matters.
🎟️ https://buff.ly/g65mYc1

Address

Deerfield, IL

Website

https://pdanorthamerica.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when PDA North America - Pathological Demand Avoidance posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to PDA North America - Pathological Demand Avoidance:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category

Our Story

PDA North America was established as a result of the March 2020 Chicago PDA workshop. At this first PDA event in America, there was overwhelming enthusiasm and support for an ongoing effort in the US and Canada by the parents and professionals who attended. Diane Gould hosted the workshop and she is the founder of PDA North America. The workshop presenters from the UK were Laura Kerbey and Harry Thompson who serve as advisors to PDA North America. Sandra McConnell and Ann Hackler-Foutch, parents of children with PDA have joined the PDA North America effort as Certified PDA Trainers and Consultants.