PDA in the Therapy Room

This wonderful, insightful, practical book beautifully explains PDA, why it exists and how best to offer support. It clearly separates demand avoidance from oppositional behaviour, explains why traditional therapies fail, and endorses current thinking on interoception, neurodiversity and universal design. At last supporting our PDAers through fostering safe therapeutic relationships is fully explained! -- Dr. Wenn B. Lawson (PhD) CPsychol AFBPsS MAP An outstanding blend of practical advice and theoretical understanding. This book will be an excellent resource for anyone supporting children and young people with PDA in a therapeutic role. -- Ruth Fidler, Education Consultant, complex autism

Raelene Dundon is the Director of Okey Dokey Childhood Psychology in Melbourne, Australia. Raelene has extensive experience working with children with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as typically developing children, providing educational, social, emotional and behavioural support.

Introduction; 1. What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)?; 2. How might therapy assist individuals with PDA?; 3. Why might traditional therapy approaches be challenging for children with PDA?; 4. How might using a trauma-informed approach be helpful for working with children with PDA?; 5.What do you need to consider when commencing therapy with a child with PDA?; 6. What are the most important things to consider when working with children with PDA in therapy?; 7. How can we support the families of children with PDA?; 8. Practical therapy activities for common presenting difficulties; 9. Troubleshooting: what to do when ...; 10. A Final Reflection; Appendix; Bibliography