Finding the right resources for a child with PDA means prioritising low-demand, flexible and autonomy-affirming approaches. The most effective support reduces anxiety, protects emotional regulation and respects a child’s need
Helping a child recover from trauma begins with restoring a sense of safety and predictability in their world. When a child feels heard, understood and supported, with access to appropriate
Key Takeaways: PDA is rooted in anxiety and nervous system responses, not behaviour choice Autonomy is a fundamental need for PDAers Persistent Drive for Autonomy reframes PDA through a needs-based
Key Takeaways: Online tutoring for SEN children can reduce anxiety by offering a familiar, predictable learning environment. Many SEN pupils benefit from one-to-one online tutoring tailored to their individual needs
Key Takeaways from SENsational Tutors’ PR and content lead, Milly Allinson: Valuing neurodivergent strengths leads to better outcomes Disengagement and absenteeism are systemic, not behavioural Special interests can be powerful
Key Takeaways: Supporting PDA pupils in education requires reducing demands, not increasing control. PDA is an anxiety-based autistic profile, not oppositional behaviour. Traditional classroom strategies often increase distress for PDA