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Autism Support Network Society

LXCL:Free for everyone.Donations appreciated but not expected

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Presentation Overview If everyday requests like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or leaving the house become standoffs in your household, you are not alone, and it is not a parenting failure. For children who have the pathological demand avoidance (PDA) profile of autism, even ordinary expectations can trigger an intense nervous system threat response.&nbsp;In this engaging and practical session, Dr. Alison Brazier will explore the PDA subtype of autism or what some call a &ldquo;persistent drive for autonomy&rdquo;. The presentation will cover our current understanding of PDA, why standard parenting practices often backfire, and the best ways to support these children and adolescents. It will also explain why your child&rsquo;s avoidance is not defiance, but reflects challenges with uncertainty and a need for autonomy. Parents will come away with an understanding of:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">The main features of PDA and how it is distinct from other forms of autism</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">The difference between demand avoidance caused by PDA and that caused by other factors</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A nervous system approach to parenting</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">The role of autonomy and equality in the experience of PDA</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">PDA burnout and the cause of distressed behaviours</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Support strategies that can be implemented right away, including language, managing the demand load, and providing real choice and collaboration</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Understanding when lowering demands is supportive, and when it can maintain anxiety</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">How to build a positive relationship with your PDA child</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">How to take care of yourself since this parenting experience can be isolating and exhausting</li></ul> Bio: Alison Brazier, Ph.D., RCC Dr. Alison Brazier is a registered clinical counsellor and an associate of the ABLE Developmental Clinic in West Vancouver. She spent the first 20 years of her career working in academic medical and health research before shifting her focus to parent and child counselling after raising a neurodivergent son. She is passionate about helping families thrive and improving the mental health and well-being of neurodivergent individuals. She has a particular passion for working with families of children/teens with the PDA profile of autism. Through the ABLE Clinic, she supports PDA individuals and their parents with one-on-one coaching and counselling; she runs a 6-week psychoeducational group for parents of PDA children/adolescents; and she has just launched a monthly PDA support group for parents.

Presentation Overview If everyday requests like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or leaving the house become standoffs in your household, you are not alone, and it is not a parenting failure. For children who have the pathological demand avoidance (PDA) profile of autism, even ordinary expectations can trigger an intense nervous system threat response. In this engaging and practical session, Dr. Alison Brazier will explore the PDA subtype of autism or what some call a “persistent drive for autonomy”. The presentation will cover our current understanding of PDA, why standard parenting practices often backfire, and the best ways to support these children and adolescents. It will also explain why your child’s avoidance is not defiance, but reflects challenges with uncertainty and a need for autonomy. Parents will come away with an understanding of:<ul><li>The main features of PDA and how it is distinct from other forms of autism</li><li>The difference between demand avoidance caused by PDA and that caused by other factors</li><li>A nervous system approach to parenting</li><li>The role of autonomy and equality in the experience of PDA</li><li>PDA burnout and the cause of distressed behaviours</li><li>Support strategies that can be implemented right away, including language, managing the demand load, and providing real choice and collaboration</li><li>Understanding when lowering demands is supportive, and when it can maintain anxiety</li><li>How to build a positive relationship with your PDA child</li><li>How to take care of yourself since this parenting experience can be isolating and exhausting</li></ul> Bio: Alison Brazier, Ph.D., RCC Dr. Alison Brazier is a registered clinical counsellor and an associate of the ABLE Developmental Clinic in West Vancouver. She spent the first 20 years of her career working in academic medical and health research before shifting her focus to parent and child counselling after raising a neurodivergent son. She is passionate about helping families thrive and improving the mental health and well-being of neurodivergent individuals. She has a particular passion for working with families of children/teens with the PDA profile of autism. Through the ABLE Clinic, she supports PDA individuals and their parents with one-on-one coaching and counselling; she runs a 6-week psychoeducational group for parents of PDA children/adolescents; and she has just launched a monthly PDA support group for parents.

Autism Support Network Society

It’s Not Defiance: Understanding and Supporting Your PDA Child

Online - Zoom Webinar

General Admission

Free

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