With Mellisa Neff, PhD

This class will introduce a lesser known Autism diagnosis, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).  PDA is a subtype of autism seen in individuals who have a highly sensitive nervous system and elevated levels of Anxiety.  People with PDA often engage in extreme efforts to control their environment and the people around them in order to reduce their anxiety and perception of pressure.  PDA is not opposition defiance, nor is it a behaviour disorder, and the best intervention strategies are relational, flexible and collaborative.