PDA Insights: Strategies for Success in Schools & Beyond

Are you a parent or carer of a child or adolescent with a Pathological Demand Avoidant (PDA) Profile?

Join us for a morning of learning and meaningful connection as Dr Kate Harman (Melbourne Clinical Lead and Clinical Psychologist), Dr Theresa Kidd (Clinical Psychologist and Director) and Melanie Turner (Counselling and Principal Psychologist) provide a space for Parents of PDAers to deepen their understanding of their child or adolescent.

During this engaging 2.5-hour session, we'll explore a diverse range of topics tailored to address the challenges young people with a PDA profile encounter across the schooling years. From strategies for school engagement to insights into homeschooling and ways to begin to prepare your child, while they are still in school/ homeschooling, for academic success at college or university.

The session also aims to increase your capacity as a parent by improving your well-being and utilising the five domains of self-care, along with some practical activities for you to use at home.

Drawing from both personal experiences and clinical expertise, Dr Kate Harman, Dr. Theresa Kidd and Melanie Turner provide you with practical and compassionate guidance as you get to know others in a similar situation to yours.

This 2.5 hours session will focus on:

PDA & Education

• School and PDA - what is happening?
• Setting school up for success using the school re-engagement AAA model
• Homeschooling - how to make this work for you and your PDAer.
• Will my child ever go to university? Laying the foundation for academic success early on.

Self-care for PDA Parents

• 5 domains of Self Care
• Identifying Stressors
• Sleep Hygiene
• Breathing Practices
• Mindfulness
• Self-compassion

Please note: The first part of the session will not cover the 'basics' of Pathological Demand Avoidance. Instead, the discussion will focus on difficulties, strengths and supports for PDAers in education and ways to provide support.

Meet the Presenters

Dr Theresa Kidd has a neurodivergent family including two PDA children (now young adults). She has completed research in Autism and Education (including the experiences of Mothers home educating their Autistic children). She has also provided professional development to hundreds of teachers on ways to engage PDA children and teens in education. All three presenters have worked within university settings supporting neurodivergent students to gain academic, emotional, and social success. 

Learn more about our presenters on our website - Click here to meet the team!

Not a parent or carer of a young person with a PDA Profile but want to upskill in this area? Contact our Training Team at training@kiddclinic.com.au