PDA Case Studies

Real-life examples to support professional reflection and practice when working with PDA profiles.

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This downloadable pack features six anonymised case studies exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) across a range of educational and support settings. Each case is accompanied by outcome summaries, reflective questions, and discussion prompts to support deeper understanding and team-based learning.

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Originally created as part of the PDA Professionals CPD Course, this resource can also be used independently as a practical training or supervision tool.

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What’s Included:
A 15-page printable PDF featuring:

• Six distinct case studies representing a variety of ages, backgrounds, and contexts

• Examples of personalised approaches to support

• Thoughtful questions to prompt reflection on language, autonomy, environment, and relational practice

• Open-ended discussion starters suitable for teams, training sessions, or individual CPD

• Suggested responses and actions for each case at the end

 

Who It’s For:

• Teachers, SENCos, and learning support staff

• Health and care professionals

• Social workers, early help teams, and family support workers

• Home education professionals

• Participants in the PDA Professionals CPD Course

• Anyone seeking to explore real-world applications of PDA-informed practice

 

Why It Matters:
Understanding the PDA profile of autism requires insight, flexibility, and reflection. These case studies are designed to build empathy, challenge assumptions, and inspire more effective support planning. Whether you’re just beginning to learn about PDA or seeking to deepen your practice, this resource offers a valuable tool for meaningful professional development.

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Review:

"The resources provided by Natalie are excellent and strongly informed by neuro-affirming practice and current research. I shared the regulation strategies and calm plan resources with staff at an additionally resourced provision during a PDA training session. These materials aligned perfectly with the key messages I wanted to convey—particularly the complexity of PDA and the role of anxiety and autonomy in driving behaviours.

 

Practitioners found the resources helpful for reflecting on their language and reframing current thinking. This led to staff feeling more equipped to plan for dysregulation and, crucially, to consider preventative adaptations to the environment and their approaches to reduce distress escalation. I would be more than happy to recommend these resources to any colleagues involved with supporting children and young people whose needs may be best understood through the lens of PDA."

Emma - Educational Psychologist