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Don't Tell Me What To Do: Understanding PDA

Title of Event: Don't Tell Me What To Do: Understanding PDA
 
Description of Event:
Does something inside you shut down whenever someone gives you a task– even if it’s something you otherwise wanted to do? Do even the smallest and most reasonable requests loom over you, filling you with dread and resistance? Does it feel like you’re fighting your way through a wall of “no” when you try to push yourself to do the thing anyway?
 
Or maybe it’s not you– maybe you’ve got a partner, or a child, or client who seems to dig their heels in and resist you at every turn. Perhaps you’re feeling worn down by everyday tasks like meals or getting ready to go out that turn into battlegrounds. Are you frustrated and confused, wondering why they’re shutting down or fighting you on the simplest things?
 
The answer might lie in the framework known as PDA.
 
Pathological Demand Avoidance, or the Persistent Drive for Autonomy, is much more common than you might think– but it’s been poorly understood until now. It’s something that frequently occurs with neurodivergent children and adults, and previously it’s been stigmatized and mislabeled as “stubborn”, “difficult”, “disrespectful”, or “lazy”. In recent years, clinicians have been able to describe it more accurately as behavior that results from having a very sensitive threat detection system. In other words, situations that neurotypical folks would see as neutral and reasonable– like needing to put away clean laundry– register to some ND folks as a threat to their autonomy, triggering a fight, flight, or freeze response…even if they’re the ones asking it of themselves. Also, plenty of people have demand avoidance that is not persistent. These techniques can also be used to help people who don’t have full on PDA but still struggle with demands of others or themselves. 
 
This workshop is open to clinicians, parents and clients and is inclusive of all genders, orientations, and lifestyles. There will be time for Q&A and discussion, including conversation around specific situations with which you need help. PDA can be painful for everyone involved, but it’s not hopeless. Join us and discover a more compassionate and effective path.
 
This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 2 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Please select the CEU option at registration if you are eligible and wish to receive the certificate. You MUST attend the live session and confirm your attendance in the session to complete the requirements. Workshops offered by non-AASECT affiliated educators have been supervised and reviewed by an AASECT-certified supervisor. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@aasect.org.
 
This class is virtual and will be recorded, with the link to the recording provided to all registrants. Sliding scale tiers are available, and you may also inquire about sliding scale accommodations at events@tamarapincus.com. 
 
Date of Event: 2/28/25
 
Time of Event: 9-11 AM EST
 
Location: Online Synchronous
 
Presenter/Speaker: Tamara Pincus & Kate Gilles
 
Company/Organization Sponsor: The Pincus Center
 
Contact Name: Tamara Pincus
 
Contact Telephone Number: (301) 244-8597
 
 
 
AASECT Approved CEs: 2

Event Knowledge Areas Covered: