This event is free but registration is required. See link below.
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Professionals in Learning Disabilities and Special Education
Presents
Understanding and Supporting PDA Students
(Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy)
Presented by Diane Gould, LCSW
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Zoom
In this presentation, participants will learn the key features of a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy) profile and the approach which supports these individuals. Diane will also discuss the issues surrounding PDA students accessing education as well as what it is and what it is not. In addition, she will explain the history of PDA and given an update on the American PDA movement. This presentation will also provide information applicable to students with complex needs who are not diagnosed.
Diane Gould, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private practice in the suburbs of Chicago where she serves neurodivergent children, adults and their families. She currently focuses her practice on providing consultation and training. She works primarily with parents and regularly attends school meetings with them. Diane loves to train educators and therapists so they can better serve their students and clients. As the Executive Director and Founder of PDA North America, she founded the annual PDA North America conference held in Chicago which has changes the lives of hundreds of PDA families. She co-authored the book Navigating PDA in America with Ruth Fidler which was published in June 2024. In April, she was diagnosed as autistic.
Members who attend will receive 1.5 CPDUs for this program.
Current PLD/SE membership is required for CPDU credits.
Members who register will receive a recording.
This event is free but pre-registration is required. Registration closes on Sunday, August 31st. Registrants will receive a link and a passcode the day before the event.
Not a member? Join here!
A Certificate of Attendance can be provided upon request.
DISCLAIMER: Professionals in Learning Disabilities and Special Education is a not-for-profit organization offering continuing education programs to inform members of current instructional practices, assessment, and policy issues in the field of learning disabilities. PLD/SE also offers a referral service to the community, providing qualified professionals for diagnostics and remediation. PLD/SE provides programs as a service to its members. PLD/SE does not endorse any specific program, speaker, instructional materials, method, treatment or evaluation center for children with disabilities.
