PDFs, etc.

Mainly PDF Files (by section of interest)

A) Basic Information for Everyone
B) Especially for Parents
C) Especially for Teachers and Carers
D) General Interest
E) Text Files
F) DOC Files
G) Books


A) Basic Information for Everyone

The Great Big ABA Opposition Resource List  The Great Big ABA Opposition Resource List
 Advocating for Better Treatment of Autistic Individuals
 Stop ABA, Support Autistics -
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Pathological Demand Avoidance - Booklet   PDA Booklet
An excellent booklet all about PDA with practical advice.  VERY, VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Pathological Demand Avoidance   Pathological Demand Avoidance
Pathological Demand Avoidance - Based on "Children with Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA) a booklet for brothers and sisters" by Julie Davies, Child Development Research Unit, Nottingham University - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
PDA Information Leaflet and Basic Guide   PDA Information Leaflet and Basic Guide
This is a very quick and good guide to the basics of PDA. This PDF file is IDEAL for giving to anyone who is interested - it will give them a primer in PDA which can then be built on as required.
- VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
An examination of the behavioural features associated with PDA using a semi-structured interview   An examination of the behavioural features associated with PDA using a semi-structured interview
Adapted from Elizabeth O'Nions' PhD thesis (submitted September 26th 2013), Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London.
- VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - an exceptional piece of example-supported work on PDA behaviour
    What is pathological demand avoidance (PDA)?
To help clarify what PDA really is - the linked article may really help - from the NAS website - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
PDA - article from SEN Magazine   Avoiding the subject HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
This article is from SEN Magazine (issue 69, March/April 2014. www.senmagazine.co.uk).
Pathological demand avoidance syndrome: a necessary distinction within the pervasive developmental disorders   Pathological demand avoidance syndrome: a necessary distinction
by E Newson, K Le Marechal, and C David
Diagnosing PDA within the current official guidelines (January 2015)   Diagnosing PDA within the current official guidelines (Updated August 2017)
We often get asked, "Is PDA available as a diagnosis because some professionals say it isn't in the manuals?" and similar questions.
To try and help understand the situation, the PDF file attached is a simple explanation of the current 'state of play' within the diagnostic community (Thanks to Tom Crellin for explaining it so well)
Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome: a reference booklet for clinicians   Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome: a reference booklet for clinicians
Whilst the booklet is primarily aimed at healthcare professionals, it does contain information that parents and educational professionals would find useful.


B) Especially for Parents

Does My Child Present with PDA Profile of ASD   Does My Child Present with PDA Profile of ASD?
This is a general guide for parents to help them establish if their child is presenting with a typical presentation of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) such as Asperger's Syndrome or Pathological Demand Avoidant (PDA), which is a different profile of autism, seen in some individuals on the spectrum.  N.B. This guide is by no means exhaustive and there will always be exceptions to the rule.
Diagnosing PDA within the current official guidelines (January 2015)   Diagnosing PDA within the current official guidelines (Updated August 2017)
We often get asked, "Is PDA available as a diagnosis because some professionals say it isn't in the manuals?" and similar questions.
To try and help understand the situation, the PDF file attached is a simple explanation of the current 'state of play' within the diagnostic community (Thanks to Tom Crellin for explaining it so well)
Strategy guide for dealing with PDA   Behavioural Strategy Guide - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
An excellent short (3 pages) strategy guide for dealing with PDA
(Thanks to Autism West Midlands for this PDF)
  PDA Diagnostic Questionnaire
Provides a helpful checklist of topics to cover when helping to assess your child, or when any professionals want more information - Well worth printing and filling in for your own child - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Is it possible for children to display different behaviours at home compared to school?   Is it possible for children to display different behaviours at home compared to school?
A superb, and succinct, answer by Dr Luke Beardon, which can give hope to many parents who feel school simply do not understand the differences in behaviour between home and school from the same child - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Cerebra written Disability Living Allowance (DLA) guide  

Cerebra written Disability Living Allowance (DLA) guide
You can request a printed copy of the DLA guide by calling 0800 328 1159 or emailing info@cerebra.org.uk or you can download and print it yourself clicking on the PDF icon at the left.

Fragile World on The Spectrum   Fragile World on The Spectrum
Very helpful insight on what having autism feels like when things get stressful
Pathological demand avoidance syndrome: a necessary distinction within the pervasive developmental disorders   Pathological demand avoidance syndrome: a necessary distinction within the pervasive developmental disorders
by E Newson, K Le Marechal, and C David


C) Especially for Teachers and Carers

A Teacher’s Guide to Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)   Teacher's Guide Leaflet
A Teacher's Guide to Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) - Part of the Autism Spectrum + Tips for supporting a child in the classroom + Recommended reading & useful links + Characteristics of the PDA Profile + Implications for education & teaching staff
- VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
A Teacher’s Guide to how to support children with pathological demand avoidance (PDA)   PDA in school
Tigger Pritchard outlines how to support children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
    The Teacher's Introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance
Essential Strategies for the Classroom
This essential guide for working with PDA pupils outlines effective and practical ways that teachers and school staff can support these pupils, by endorsing a child-led approach to learning and assessment.
    Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Pupils with PDA
Ruth Fidler and Phil Christie outline effective strategies for supporting pupils with PDA in education settings.
    Special Educational Needs for PDA
This outlines the signs of PDA and the strategies parents and schools can employ to deal with it. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is characterised by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands and an anxiety-driven need to be in control.

-
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Simple Strategies for Supporting Children with Pathological Demand Avoidance at School   Positive PDA booklet
Simple Strategies for Supporting Children with Pathological Demand Avoidance at School, by Zoe Syson and Dr Emma Gore Langton
 - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Is it possible for children to display different behaviours at home compared to school?   Is it possible for children to display different behaviours at home compared to school?
A superb, and succinct, answer by Dr Luke Beardon, which can give hope to many parents who feel school simply do not understand the differences in behaviour between home and school from the same child - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Diagnosing PDA within the current official guidelines (January 2015)   Diagnosing PDA within the current official guidelines (Updated August 2017)
We often get asked, "Is PDA available as a diagnosis because some professionals say it isn't in the manuals?" and similar questions.
To try and help understand the situation, the PDF file attached is a simple explanation of the current 'state of play' within the diagnostic community (Thanks to Tom Crellin for explaining it so well)
A letter to a teacher, from their special needs pupil   A letter to a teacher, from their special needs pupil
This is poignant, touching and is well worth reading, especially by anyone in the teaching profession who ever comes into contact with children who have Special Needs, Additional Support Needs, or otherwise require specialised input to help them learn - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Education and Handling Guidelines   The Autistic Spectrum - Approaches to facilitate inclusion in mainstream schools
By Hampshire County Council, Children's Services Department, SEN Service RECOMMENDED
An examination of the behavioural features associated with PDA using a semi-structured interview   An examination of the behavioural features associated with PDA using a semi-structured interview
Adapted from Elizabeth O'Nions' PhD thesis (submitted September 26th 2013), Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London.
- VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - an exceptional piece of example-supported work on PDA behaviour
The Distinctive Clinical and Educational Needs of Children with Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome:   The Distinctive Clinical and Educational Needs of Children with Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome:
Guidelines for Good Practice
(by Phil Christie)
- WORTH READING - TO KNOW THE OFFICIAL CRITERIA FOR PDA
The official proof of PDA existence, from the Autism Education Trust (part of the UK's Department of Education).
Includes the following chapters:- Criteria for Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome, Diagnosis and classification, Implications for education and management, The child as a learner, Teaching style and approach, Support needs of staff and the family, References
Education and Handling Guidelines   Education and Handling Guidelines
A primer on teaching a child with PDA, written by the professionals at the Elizabeth Newson Centre in Nottingham.
How does PDA present in a Play Based Assessment?  

How does PDA present in a Play Based Assessment?
A Poster Designed Primarily for Professionals Diagnosing PDA

Pathological demand avoidance syndrome: a necessary distinction within the pervasive developmental disorders   Pathological demand avoidance syndrome: a necessary distinction within the pervasive developmental disorders
by E Newson, K Le Marechal, and C David
Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome   Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome
A Reference Booklet for Health, Education and Social Care Practitioners:-

Whilst the booklet is primarily aimed at healthcare professionals, it does contain information that parents and educational professionals would find useful.


D) General Interest

    What is pathological demand avoidance (PDA)?
To help clarify what PDA really is - the linked article may really help - from the NAS website - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
An examination of the behavioural features associated with PDA using a semi-structured interview   An examination of the behavioural features associated with PDA using a semi-structured interview
Adapted from Elizabeth O'Nions' PhD thesis (submitted September 26th 2013), Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London.
- VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - an exceptional piece of example-supported work on PDA behaviour
New resource for clinicians (PDA Society)

 

New resource for clinicians
This all new (2014) 35 page booklet is being distributed initially to CAMHS services and Child Development Centres across the UK. Whilst the booklet is primarily aimed at healthcare professionals, it does contain information that parents and educational professionals would also find useful.

Diagnosing PDA within the current official guidelines (January 2015)   Diagnosing PDA within the current official guidelines (Updated August 2017)
We often get asked, "Is PDA available as a diagnosis because some professionals say it isn't in the manuals?" and similar questions.
To try and help understand the situation, the PDF file attached is a simple explanation of the current 'state of play' within the diagnostic community (Thanks to Tom Crellin for explaining it so well)
Paper on the new PDA questionnaire (the EDA-Q)  

Paper on the new PDA questionnaire (the EDA-Q)
by Liz O'Nions and others

Cerebra   Cerebra
Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA)
More collated info on PDA.
 

 
E) Text Files

Is PDA available as a diagnosis because some professionals say it isn't in the manuals?  

Diagnosing PDA within the current official guidelines (Updated August 2017))
We often get asked, "Is PDA available as a diagnosis because some professionals say it isn't in the manuals?" and similar questions.
To try and help understand the situation, the TXT file attached is a simple explanation of the current 'state of play' within the diagnostic community (Thanks to Tom Crellin for explaining it so well)

Template letter to school re PDA awareness  

Template letter to school re PDA awareness VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
An exceptionally useful template letter, by Lynne Morgan, to help you bring PDA to the notice of schools, etc.
(Use in conjunction with the 41 page PDA Booklet (Click HERE)
Template letter also available in Word .DOC form here

 

 
F) DOC Files

Template letter to GP  

Template for letter to send to GP VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
An excellent GP template letter, so you can request a PDA referral for your child.

 


G) Books

Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome - My Daughter Is Not Naughty   Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome - Amazon link - My Daughter Is Not Naughty
(A parent's personal perspective)
Jane Sherwin's honest and uplifting account provides insight into the challenges of bringing up a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
 - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, (and often held as the 'new bible' for living with a child with PDA)
Als
o sold on book depository and shipped for free to many countries. So really helpful for those of you in non-English speaking countries. Book Depository link is HERE
Can I tell you about Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome   Can I tell you about Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome
(A guide for friends, family and professionals)
This illustrated book is for readers aged 7 and upwards, and will be an excellent way to increase understanding about PDA in the classroom or at home. It also includes practical tips and recommended resources for parents and professionals.
Written by Ruth Fidler and Phil Christie
 - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Book Depository link is HERE

Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children

  Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children
(A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Other Professionals)

Written by Phil Christie, Margaret Duncan, Ruth Fidler and Zara Healy.
A book published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers - the PDA 'Bible' -
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
  Smart but Scattered
The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare.
There's nothing more frustrating than watching your bright, talented son or daughter struggle with everyday tasks like finishing homework, putting away toys, or following instructions at school. Your "smart but scattered" child might also have trouble coping with disappointment or managing anger.

The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children

  The Explosive Child (by Ross Greene)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children - although not specifically about PDA, there are some helpful guidelines that can help with strategies for PDA children.
Why do I have to?   Why do I have to?
"Why do I have to?" looks at a set of everyday situations that provide challenges for children at home, with their friends, and at school.
The Panicosaurus: Managing Anxiety in Children Including Those with Asperger's   The Panicosaurus: Managing Anxiety in Children Including Those with Asperger's
Parents and carers will like the helpful introduction, explaining anxiety in children, and the list of techniques for lessening anxiety at the end of the book.
Declarative Language Handbook Declarative Language Handbook
You might be a therapist or a teacher, or you might be a parent, grandparent, or babysitter. Your child might have a diagnosis such as autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD or Non-Verbal Learning Disability. But they might not. No matter your child’s learning style, this book was written to help you feel equipped to make a difference, simply by being mindful of your own communication and speaking style. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED