Parenting, Inclusion and Intervention

Welcome to Positively PDA, I am Melanie, mum to three boys, 2 crazy dogs and a pretty clever cat. I am passionate about changing perspectives and understanding around autism and specialise in the profile of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).

PDA is currently understood to be a distinct profile on the autism spectrum, characterised by an anxiety driven need to avoid every day demands and expectations and maintain control. The approaches needed to support a young person with PDA vary significantly from more typical approaches and autism strategies and require a very flexible, collaborative and negotiative style. This style also requires a shift in perspective away from behaviour modification, and towards addressing and reducing underlying anxiety, but when day to day demands and expectations create significant anxiety and push individuals towards the fight, flight, freeze response where do we start and how do we implement change?

That’s where I come in as a PDA Parenting, Inclusion and Intervention Consultant. My middle son who is 18 has a PDA diagnosis and I have a wealth of experience in successfully implementing PDA friendly approaches with him. We moved from being at crisis point in 2012 having experienced several years of extreme behaviour which I couldn’t manage, to having a self aware and self regulated young man who is engaging in learning and has a bright future ahead of him. I also have experience working with young adults with a variety of special educational needs including autism and PDA in a local college, and have accredited qualifications in Understanding Autism, Supporting Children, Teenagers and Young Adults with Pathological Demand Avoidance, NLP, Hypnotherapy and Coaching and studying towards a degree in Psychology. I have delivered PDA training and workshops to parents, carers and educators, and run, moderate and admin various support groups online.

I work with parents and schools to understand the challenges that are being faced and provide solution focussed advice based on my sound understanding of the PDA profile and the approaches that are most beneficial in supporting the young person. I also provide therapeutic intervention for neurodivergent adults, children and young people and their families to support them with making positive changes to their lives.

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism

Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Children, Teenagers and Young Adults with Pathological Demand Avoidance

Childhood studies and child psychology
Investigating psychology 1
Psychology of childhood and youth