Deer Creek Family Support & Therapy

Today!!!

TOMORROW!

Recognizing Pathalogical Demand Avoidance (PDA)
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
7 pm to 8:30 pm

The much-in-demand learning session returns. Sign up right away to ensure a spot. as it will sell out. There is a $5 charge for this session.

Many people have heard of the autism profile called Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) but don't know what it means.

Others have never heard of this before!

This session will explain PDA and how it can be identified, both formally and informally. We will discuss whether or not it is important to identify PDA and will begin to look at strategies to support (although we will go more in depth regarding strategies in future sessions!)

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/recognizing-pathological-demand-avoidance-pda-tickets-1986575451653?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawRgtbNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiMW1kcUI1amlVdWdQZTlXc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHonNm78b5wLpJYotbtyjSzCGjxwsN1S-AVFdBzuaL4e7fYKfSaJBh6Llb4a2_aem_N8REs_GSQzMvnsT8VLkLVw

Wondering if your child has autism, ADHD or learning disabilities? Or are you wondering if you do? We can help! Our Registered Psychologist has expertise in assessing “high masking” individuals. Contact us to see how we can support you!

Oxford is currently offering a 30% discount on the book Lisa Schelbe and I wrote bringing it down to an easy $27.99! This book was such a passion project and is an amazing resource for social workers and any other professionals that work alongside foster families! Be sure to add it to your list!
Www.global.oup.com/academic

It was great talking on the podcast Kids with Big Emotions, talking about PDA, if you're looking for some more insight!

"They’re Not Just Saying No to Be Difficult"

You ask them to brush their teeth 🪥—and suddenly there’s yelling, crying, or hiding in the closet.

You suggest they change their shirt 👕 and it’s like you’ve asked them to walk through fire.

These everyday requests feel impossible for your child—and you’re left wondering why such simple things are such a big deal.

It’s easy to assume it’s defiance. But what if the real issue is that your child’s nervous system sees demands as threats? ⚠️

For some kids, being told what to do triggers the same survival instinct as being chased by a tiger.

Their brain isn’t disobeying—it’s panicking. And the more you push, the more overwhelmed they become.

What helps isn’t more discipline. It’s understanding what their body and brain are really trying to protect them from—and learning how to reduce those threats, not escalate them. 🧠💛

This shift changes everything.

🎧 Hear the full conversation with Amanda Preston in Episode 111: PDA, Autism & Misdiagnosis: What Parents Need to Know. Listen on your favorite podcast app or at https://andiclark.com/podcast.

If you're raising a kiddo with PDA and would benefit from your doctor, pediatrician, optometrist, dentist etc understanding your child, then let them know about our new course! PDA for Medical Professionals!
https://amandaprestonco.com/pdamedical

Great explanation to help understand this more!

If you’re interested in learning how to support adoptive/foster families, we have an upcoming workshop for mental health professionals and therapists coming up! More information on our website!

Seen on a friend’s wall ❤️
If you know the creator, please shout so that we can give them credit x

Subtle changes in language can shift how we think about behaviors across the lifespan.

A great article on viewing a PDA focused autism assessment through the DSM lens!
https://www.amandadiekman.com/blog/how-PDA-kids-meet-autism-criteria?fbclid=IwY2xjawJNgExleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHetwSsvpdJBTj8BJ6RSWZHzvTBQYmMC9g5PtwX2bDv5_F2lXYJp2JrFvLA_aem_gn2MCa3u1sdM7PDP2pokHA

How PDA Kids Meet Autism Criteria: A PDA Lens on the DSM-5 Navigating PDA and autism evaluations can be complex. Learn how PDA traits intersect with DSM-5 autism criteria to improve diagnosis and support pathways for PDA children.