Behavior Assist

08/23/2025

08/21/2025

We love using this book! Always a favorite for our little ones.

08/19/2025

This is a great way to engage with kids without creating an expectation for a response. They just listen and learn.

08/19/2025

08/15/2025

Fall schedules are almost here. Are you ready?

08/12/2025

08/03/2025

07/24/2025

Often child-led sessions are the way to go for most clients. But when it comes to working with Autistic PDAer's, it is even more important we follow their lead.

Imagine every time a demand was placed on you, even simple ones like putting on your shoes, your whole body erupted in anxiety and fear.

For Autistic PDAer's, this is their reality every day.

When a task is perceived as a demand, regardless of whether or not they are interested in the task, their drive for autonomy overrides their interest and shutdown begins. This is why even our best typical strength-based methods often fall flat with these clients. So what do we do instead?

⭐ Decrease demands as much as possible. Reduce schedules and "must-do" tasks to a minimum wherever possible.
⭐ Notice your language. Instead of giving demands or making requests, use I statements to invite them in and allow them to see their participation as a choice rather than demand. "I'm going to eat a snack".
⭐ PDAer's are deeply internally motivated. They can sense when you try to corrupt their interests and use them to enforce a task demand. Instead of using their interests in your therapy session, respect their interests and allow them to guide you.

If you want to feel better equipped to support PDA kids, you'll want to learn from Dr. Casey Ehrlich (At Peace Parents ) and Dr Mel. Houser (All Brains Belong VT ). Their presentation on PDA is part of our Neurodiversity Basics Bundle.

For more info, visit https://learnplaythrive.com/ndbasics/


ID: One slide with blue borders on the top and bottom. On the left there are three yellow shapes with black text under "traditional approaches" and on the right are three blue shapes with black text under "Approaches for PDAer's".