Supporting Children/Young People with PDA & ODD – Practical Systems & Strategies 

Course introduction

With the PDA Society ‘Being Misunderstood’ report highlights that 70% of children with a PDA are not in school or regularly struggle to attend. ODD is reported to affect between two and 16 per cent of children and adolescents in the general population, and is more common in boys. As well as studies show that at least 40 per cent of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have co-existing ODD. This course provides the necessary information, systems and strategies needed in schools and colleges today.

The training is designed to develop an understanding and awareness of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD).  We will look at the challenges and difficulties for children/young people in the classroom and how to manage some of the challenging behaviour that co-occurs with PDA or ODD. More importantly this course will teach effective strategies to ensure staff who work with pupils/students with PDA or ODD can support them to help meet their potential and manage their behaviour and access to the curriculum. There will also be opportunities to discuss specific challenges with the trainer and network with others.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Understand Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): Gain a comprehensive understanding of PDA, its relationship with Autism, ADHD, and gender, as well as the impact of barriers on behaviour, school attendance, and academic performance.

• Recognize Sensory and Communication Needs: Develop awareness of the sensory and communication challenges faced by individuals with PDA and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and learn how to adapt interventions to meet these needs.

• Implement Positive Behaviour Management: Learn key principles of positive behaviour management and strategies for adapting communication and the environment to support behavioural needs.

• Explore Intervention Strategies: Practice techniques to modify impact, de-escalate challenging behaviours, and apply age-appropriate interventions for students with PDA and ODD.

• Apply Knowledge through Case Studies: Work through real-life case studies to explore triggers, share experiences, and further develop strategies for effective intervention and support.

Target audience

Aimed at anyone who works directly or indirectly with students with Pathological Demand Avoidance / Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Ideal for school-based staff including teachers, head teachers, deputy headteacher, SENCo/ALNCo, special education teacher, classroom assistant, educational psychologists, school support staff and pastoral care staff and pastoral lead teacher.As well as multidisciplinary teams i.e. looked after children, foster care, adoption agencies, social services.

Trainers for this course

Karen Ferguson

BSc (Hons), QTS, MEd, MA

Karen is currently working part-time in a mainstream Primary School as SENDCO, while the remaining part of her week is spent supporting and training. Karen started teaching science at a... mainstream secondary school in 2000 but moved into the SEND environment, working with children and parents to help them overcome their barriers to education to give them the skills to achieve their full potential. The majority of her training was on the job, which showed the need for training in this area. She was appointed as a Specialist Leader in Education for Autism, and this allowed her to disseminate good practice and deliver training in the field of SEND. Karen offers various SEND, Neurodivergent and condition specific training, including Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia. She has continued her professional development throughout the years, including a Master in Arts, Master in Education, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and PDA formal qualifications. She is currently working towards her NPQSEN. Karen believes that a better understanding of SEND, Neurodivergence and complex needs can be achieved through information sharing, and she is committed to ensuring that education is developed and delivered to as many people as possible.Read more

See what others have to say about us

Outstanding and useful training, it will be very valuable in my job role, so many useful strategies for PDA and ODD I can use.

Fab training, great trainer, definitely important to my job and helped considerably with my knowledge on ODD. Would highly recommend.

The training was excellent I will be taking quite a few tools back to work along with hopefully expanding on some of the practical already established. The training was enjoyable and fully interactive which made the course so much easier to absorb ideas.

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:15 am – 3.00pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please note – the cost is per person
• Please note – the early bird rate of £185+ VAT ends 28 days prior to the course date, after this the standard rate of £215+VAT will be charged.