Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Pupils with PDA: Strategies for Education Professionals, Paperback

Educational environments can present challenges for children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), who require different strategies than children with a more straightforward presentation of autism, and schools frequently find themselves struggling to meet their complex needs. In this guide PDA experts Ruth Fidler and Phil Christie outline effective strategies for supporting pupils with PDA in education settings.

Including a useful overview of PDA, this book outlines the impact of this diagnostic profile on learning, and explains why Collaborative Approaches to Learning is such a successful method for supporting pupils with PDA. It shows how teaching professionals can get started with this approach, with advice for implementing key strategies to overcome common challenges. The book also includes information on creating PDA-friendly learning environments, helping pupils to develop long-term social and emotional resilience. With handy downloadable resources, valuable information on supporting the wellbeing of adults who work with children with PDA, this is an essential resource for teaching and support staff in mainstream and special education schools.

Ruth Fidler is an independent Education Consultant specialising in complex autism and emotional wellbeing. She worked in a special school setting for over 20 years and now works across the UK providing training and consultancy. She has worked with the Autism Education Trust, the National Autistic Society and is part of Autism Associates. She has been interviewed by Channel 4 and the BBC. She lives in Nottinghamshire, UK.

Phil Christie is a Consultant Child Psychologist with experience of diagnosis and assessment of children across the spectrum as well as having been Director of an autism specific school and children's services for 30 years. He has a background in research, training and publications, with a recent emphasis on those with a diagnosis of Pathological Demand Avoidance. Phil is the Vice Chair of the Autism Education Trust and lives in Nottinghamshire, UK.