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Overview
The Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Diploma is a focused training course designed to help you recognise and support people with emotional and behavioural needs, including PDA. PDA is widely understood as part of the autism spectrum and can affect how individuals respond to everyday demands and expectations.
Course Description
Discover how to recognise and support individuals whose behavioural challenges may be linked to emotional disorders with our Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Diploma. PDA is widely understood as part of the autism spectrum and can have a serious impact on a person’s wellbeing, daily life, and future goals. This specialised online course helps you build a clear understanding of PDA, giving you the skills and confidence to offer meaningful support to people of all ages.
Our carefully designed modules are written with guidance from subject experts and provide essential knowledge about PDA and related conditions. You will learn to identify the key signs of PDA and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), as well as how these conditions connect to autism. The course also explores how schools support students with PDA, the role of sensory differences, and the practical strategies that can help reduce stress and improve outcomes. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or care professional, this training offers valuable insight that can make a real difference.
Learning Outcome
- Identify unique PDA behavioural features across home, school and community settings.
- Interpret autism-related characteristics linked to PDA presentations.
- Get quick assessments and clear guidance to support learning across all subjects.
- Outline developmental and historic factors associated with PDA recognition.
- Distinguish learning disability considerations when assessing demand-related patterns.
Who Is This Course For?
- Individuals supporting autistic children or adults in educational contexts.
- Parents seeking strong techniques to address PDA-related challenges.
- Carers requiring structured knowledge about demand-avoidant behaviour.
- Study anywhere, anytime, with flexible learning that fits around your daily life.
- Welfare and pastoral staff overseeing behaviour-related responsibilities.
Certificate of Achievement
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Career Path
- Behaviour Support Practitioner – Provides behaviour-focused guidance across schools or community services. Average Salary (UK): £40,000–£52,000 per year
- Autism Outreach Worker – Advises families, schools and organisations on autism-related support needs. Average Salary (UK): £41,000–£55,000 per year
- Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) – Oversees SEND provisions while ensuring tailored support plans. Average Salary (UK): £45,000–£58,000 per year
- Learning Disability Advisor – Assists individuals experiencing developmental and behavioural differences. Average Salary (UK): £43,000–£57,000 per year
- Family Support Worker (Specialist PDA/Autism) – Provides structured guidance for households facing demand-related challenges. Average Salary (UK): £40,000–£50,000 per year
- Inclusion Officer – Promotes accessible frameworks and behavioural support across educational institutions. Average Salary (UK): £42,000–£54,000 per year
Frequestly Asked Questions
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) refers to a *behavioural profile *characterised by an extreme resistance to everyday demands and expectations, driven largely by anxiety and a strong need for control. It is understood as one way autism can present in some people, rather than a completely separate diagnosis.
No. PDA is not officially recognised as a stand-alone diagnosis in major diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 or ICD-10. In the UK, health professionals may identify a “PDA profile” within an autism diagnosis, but you cannot currently get a formal PDA diagnosis on its own.
People with a PDA profile may:
strongly avoid everyday demands (even simple tasks)
use negotiation, distraction or humour to avoid requests
appear socially confident or charming but struggle with deeper interactions
experience intense anxiety, mood swings or emotional overwhelm
These behaviours go beyond typical avoidance and can significantly affect daily life.
PDA is considered part of the autism spectrum, but its pattern of extreme demand avoidance and anxiety-driven control can look different from other autistic traits. Unlike typical autism support approaches (routine and structure), people with PDA often respond better to negotiation, flexibility and choice-based approaches.
Support often centres on understanding individual needs rather than strict behavioural expectations. Helpful strategies include:
reducing perceived pressure or demands
offering choice and flexibility
collaborative problem-solving
tailored support plans at school or work
Even without a standalone PDA diagnosis, adjustments and support can be accessed via autism support services and under UK disability legislation.
Curriculum
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Introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance
00:19:00
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Understanding Autism
00:15:00
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Sensory Processing Disorder
00:17:00
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The History of PDA
00:14:00
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Learning Disability and Autism
00:15:00
Offer Ends in
All
Courses for £49-
Duration:1 hour, 20 minutes
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Access:1 Year
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Units:5
