Reframing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): A Neuroaffirming Perspective

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This three-hour beginner/introductory continuing education program provides participants with a foundational understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as conceptualized within the context of autism and related neurodevelopmental profiles. This hybrid course begins with an asynchronous recorded presentation that critically examines traditional deficit-based frameworks and introduces a neuroaffirming perspective that centers on autonomy, nervous system regulation, and relational safety. Participants will explore the historical development of the PDA construct, current controversies in diagnostic classification, and the implications of reframing demand avoidance through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Clinical implications for assessment, case conceptualization, and intervention planning will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on reducing pathologizing language, recognizing trauma overlap, and supporting client autonomy in therapeutic and educational contexts. The program is designed to enhance clinicians’ cultural humility and ethical responsiveness when working with autistic individuals and those presenting with extreme demand-avoidance patterns. In the second part of the course offering, a live, interactive webinar provides an opportunity to apply the perspectives shared in the recorded asynchronous course to a lived-experience case study and to use a worksheet to guide the practical application of the concepts. Practical strategies for engagement, collaborative goal-setting, and systemic advocacy will be introduced at an introductory level.

On-Demand Recorded Asynchronous + Live Session

Recorded Session (2 hrs) on LearnWorlds
+ Live On-Line Zoom Session (1 hr)
NEXT: 09/20/2026 at
8 PM EST

3 Hours

Self-Paced Learning (120 min)
Live Zoom (60 min)
+ Bonus E-Book

$99

Registration Deadline::
09/13/26 for

09/20/26
Live Webinar
at 8 PM EST

3 CE Credits

*Approved Provider for
American Psychological Association
PA Board of SW, MFT, & PC and ASWB ACE
*Full details below

Audience

Social Workers, Psychologists, Behavioral Health Therapists, Teachers, Individuals & Families

Basic/a Introductory

Program design to build foundational understanding of an emerging area of knowledge.

Summary:
Explore a neurodiversity-affirming approach to PDA and related frameworks, including EDA, RDA, and Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. Learn from experts and lived experience how to reduce demand-related stress, minimize power struggles, and support autonomy and well-being. Gain practical, evidence-informed strategies and real-world tools to implement neurodiversity-affirming principles confidently in clinical, educational, and caregiving contexts.

This course was developed by psychologists, social work, and counseling professionals.

After completing this course, participants will be able to...

Describe

Describe the historical origins and defining characteristics associated with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

Identify

Identify key controversies regarding PDA’s diagnostic status within existing classification systems.

Explain

Explain the principles of neurodiversity-affirming practice as applied to demand avoidance presentations.

Differentiate

Differentiate between behaviorist/pathology-based interpretations and nervous-system-informed conceptualizations of demand avoidance.

Identify

Identify at least three introductory clinical strategies that support autonomy and reduce escalation in individuals presenting with extreme demand avoidance.

Develop

Develop two person-centered support strategies for a demand-avoidance scenario, including one antecedent or environmental accommodation and one communication- or autonomy-supportive intervention.

Course Agenda

Registration & Information

Course Interaction & System Requirements

Course Completion & CE Information

References

Part 1:
Asynchronous Course Recording

Welcome, Orientation, and CE Context (10 minutes)
Overview of workshop structure, CE expectations, and framing PDA as a clinical and ethical issue.
Defining PDA and the Need for Reframing (20 minutes)
Historical origins of PDA, diagnostic limitations, and risks of pathologization.
Reframing Demand Avoidance: Conceptual Models (30 minutes)
Examination of Extreme Demand Avoidance (EDA), Rational Demand Avoidance (RDA), and Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA2).
Case-Based Analysis (25 minutes)
Applied case scenarios to differentiate stress-driven, cognitive-load-driven, and autonomy-driven avoidance.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Strategies in Practice (20 minutes)
Clinical strategies that support autonomy, reduce power struggles, and align with ethical practice.
Expert Interview & Audience Q&A (10 minutes)
Moderated discussion and participant questions.
Final Takeaways and Resources (5 minutes)

Part 2:
Live Interactive Webinar on Zoom on 09/20/2026

Welcome, Purpose, and Framing (0-5 min)
Overview of the Demand Avoidance “W” Worksheet (5-12 min)
Case Example 1: Mapping the Pattern (12-20 min)
Understanding Possible Functions: RDA and PDA2 (20-30 min)
Adaptive Responses: Staying Regulated, Meeting Expectations, Moving at Own Pace (30-40 min)
Case Example 2: Designing Supportive Strategies (40-50 min)
Applying the Tool Across Roles: Clinician and Behavior Analyst Considerations (50-55 min)
Knowledge Check, Wrap-Up, and Application Commitment (55-60 min)

*The 60 min session is held without a break.

Registration & Information

The cost for the course is $99.00 and includes 3 CE Credits.

Registration Link: CLICK HERE

Please call 484-450-6476 ext. 2 or email info@moringainstitute.com for any questions, concerns, or grievances, or to request accommodations.

Full CE policies can be found here: https://moringainstitute.com/about-us

Course Interaction & System Requirements

Operating Systems: Windows XP or higher, MacOS 9 or higher, Android 4.0 or higher
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Google Chrome, Firefox 10.0 or higher
Broadband Internet connection: Cable, High-speed DSL & any other medium that is internet accessible.

The recorded asynchronous webinar was recorded on 12/05/2026,

The live webinar takes place on Zoom on 09/20/2026 at 8:00PM EST and is fully interactive. Attendees may ask and answer questions throughout the presentation and participate in instructor-led discussions.

Course Completion & CE Information

ASWB ACE Credit: Social workers must view the asynchronous recording in its entirety, score 80% or higher on the quiz, open all handouts, participate in the live webinar with the camera on, and complete the course evaluation. Social workers completing this course receive 3 total credits including 1.0 Social and Cultural Competence and 2.0 General continuing education credits.

APA Credit: Psychologists must view the asynchronous recording in its entirety, score 80% or greater on the quiz, open all handouts, participate in the live webinar with camera on, and complete the course evaluation.

Act 48 in Pennsylvania: Educators must view the asynchronous recording in its entirety, score 80% or greater on the quiz, open all handouts, participate in the live webinar with camera on, and complete the course evaluation.

Receipt of Certificates: Certificates for all courses and credit types are auto-generated by the learning platform upon acceptable completion of requirements. For a live course, the instructor completes the attendance verification step.

The certificates remain part of the learner's profile for 3 years and can be accessed by the learner at any time by logging into their learner profile.

If there are any issues with the generation of a CE certificate, learners should contact info@moringainstitute.com for assistance.

The following references informed course development and are not required reading for participation or credit.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

Kildahl, A. N., Helverschou, S. B., Rysstad, A. L., Wigaard, E., Hellerud, J. M., Ludvigsen, L. B., & Howlin, P. (2021). Pathological demand avoidance in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 25(8), 2162–2176. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613211034382

Lerner, M. D., Gurba, A. N., & Gassner, D. L. (2023). A framework for neurodiversity-affirming interventions for autistic individuals. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 91(9), 503–504. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000839

Milton, D. (2017). A mismatch of salience: Explorations of the nature of autism from theory to practice. Pavilion Press.

Madra, M., Ringel, R., & Margolis, K. G. (2020). Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 29(3), 501–513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2020.02.005

Naseef, R., & Shore, S. (2025, July 9). Reframing pathological demand avoidance: A neurodiversity-affirming perspective - autism spectrum news. Autism Spectrum News. https://autismspectrumnews.org/reframing-pathological-demand-avoidance-a-neurodiversity-affirming-perspective/

Sarris, M. (2024, June 18). Anxiety’s toll on children and adults with autism. SPARK: Simons Powering ‌‌ Autism Research. ‌‌‍‍https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/anxiety-autism/

Stuart, L., Grahame, V., Honey, E., & Freeston, M. (2019). Intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety as explanatory frameworks for extreme demand avoidance in children and adolescents. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 25(2), 59–67. ‍ https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12336

Woods, R. (2020). Commentary: Demand avoidance phenomena, a manifold issue? Intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety as explanatory frameworks for extreme demand avoidance in children and adolescents – a commentary on Stuart et al. (2020). Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 25(2), 68–70. https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12368

World Health Organization. (2019). International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (11th ed.). https://icd.who.int/

Meet the instructor

Dr. Shore is a professor of special education at Adelphi University, where he teaches and researches issues related to the autism spectrum. He co-developed Adelphi’s autism certificate program and teaches a variety of courses in special education. His mission is to make fulfilling and productive lives for autistic people the rule rather than the exception.

Through teaching, research, writing, workshops, and presentations, he shares evidence-based strategies and lived perspectives to support autistic individuals, their families, and the professionals who work with them. In addition, he integrates his passion for music by offering lessons that foster creativity and personal growth.

Dr. Shore regularly presents for organizations on autism, education, and inclusion, and welcomes opportunities to collaborate with groups seeking to advance understanding and support for the autistic community.

Meet the instructor

Robert Naseef, Ph.D. is a psychologist, author, and father of an adult son with autism. He is internationally recognized for his work supporting families and training professionals in autism treatment and inclusion. Alongside Stephen Shore, Ed.D., he serves as a lead consultant to the Arc of Philadelphia and SAP’s Autism at Work program.

Dr. Naseef is the author of Autism in the Family: Caring and Coping Together (2013) and Special Children, Challenged Parents (1996), and co-editor of Voices from the Spectrum (2006). He has spoken nationally and internationally, given a TEDx talk, and received the 2008 Variety Children’s Charity award for his contributions to the autism community. His work highlights the psychology of men, fatherhood, and the lived experience of families raising children with disabilities.

Meet the instructor

Maleita Olson, LCSW, is a co-founder and current Chief Operating Officer of Spectra Support Services, LLC. She is a licensed clinical social worker in PA. During Maleita’s 30-plus-year career, she has worked in community-based, institutional, government and medical settings, with a primary focus on serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Maleita has a master of Social Work degree from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. She is a certified clinician with the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD). She is a frequent presenter at local, state, and national conferences on topics related to autism spectrum disorder, the transition to adulthood, and the impacts of disability on the family.

Maleita lives in Springfield, PA, with her husband and four children, three of whom are neurodivergent. She is a past president of ASCEND: the Asperger and Autism Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Arc of Delaware County, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Autism Society of America.

Meet the instructor

Patricia is the Co-Founder, Co-Owner of two businesses: She is the Chief Executive Officer of Spectra Support Services, LLC and the CE Program Administrator for the Moringa Institute.. In these roles, she leads professional training and continuing education for behavioral health professionals. Patricia has developed and implemented creative arts therapy and behavioral health programs across diverse settings, including hospitals, residential programs, schools, and community-based services.

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), Patricia holds a Master’s degree in Music Therapy from Temple University and is a Certified MARI® Teacher (CMT). She also contributes to the ongoing development of the MARI® Practitioner Certification Program. Her clinical expertise includes trauma-informed care, dual diagnosis, mindfulness-based and expressive therapies, and ethical integration of creative arts in clinical practice. Patricia provides clinical supervision and is a dedicated advocate for accessible, high-quality behavioral health care.

Thank you!

Continuing Education for PsychologistsAPA-Approved & Neurodiversity-Affirming