Neurodiversity-Affirming OT for PDAers of all Ages
What if refusing, avoiding or shutting down isn’t defiance but self protection?
This workshop helps you understand Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) through a neurodiversity affirming lens and shows you how to work with a child’s nervous system, not against it, to build trust, reduce distress and support meaningful participation.
Date: Monday 25th August 2025
Time: 11:00am - 1.00pm AEST
Duration: 2 hours
What will you learn?
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Foundations: Understanding PDA as a nervous system-based response rather than behavioural opposition.
- Rapport and Relationship: Connection before correction – how to create trust-first, low-demand therapeutic relationships.
- Goal Setting and Planning: Moving away from compliance goals towards functional, interest-led and co-created goals.
- Practical OT Supports: Everyday tools, session planning tips and adaptable strategies for home, school and community.
- Sensory and Regulation Needs: Supporting interoception, co-regulation and environmental modifications for PDA profiles.
- Advocacy and Family Support: Empowering caregivers, advocating within service systems and embedding PDA-informed reasoning into documentation.
Who is this workshop for?
- Occupational Therapists supporting PDAers of any age in clinical, educational or community contexts
- OTs seeking trauma-aware, inclusive tools to navigate complex behaviours and service systems
- Clinicians ready to expand their knowledge of neurodivergent-affirming practice in action
Why attend?
- Learn how to confidently support PDAers in a way that is safe, affirming and sustainable
- Walk away with immediately usable resources, templates and strategies tailored for occupational therapy practice
- Deepen your understanding of how autonomy, control and co-regulation shape engagement and participation
- Join a growing community of therapists committed to working with neurodivergent clients, not against their nervous systems
- Build the skills to create truly inclusive, person-led therapy that honours each child’s unique way of being in the world
About the Presenter
Claire Britton is the Director and Principal Occupational Therapist at Neuroinclusion.
She is passionate about educating, inspiring and empowering Australian clients and therapists to optimise best practice to facilitate their success doing their daily activities. She works with neurodivergent clients across the lifespan and runs @Neuroinclusion.au on instagram with over 30,000 followers.
She is a speaker, podcast guest, neurodiversity advocate and clinical mentor to therapists across Australia. She brings her own personal experiences being neurodivergent with over 8 years of clinical experiences to consistently provide neurodiversity-affirming OT practice.
Her extensive experience as an occupational therapist includes schools, not-for-profits, private practice and in community settings in Perth, Melbourne and Cape Town.
