Training Overview
This course is presented from a neurodiversity affirming lens, from a presenter with lived experience as a PDA person. The objective of this course is to increase understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy, as it relates to Autism. This will help clinicians better support families with PDA and/or Autistic members. Participants will have a better understanding of PDA, how to differentiate it from other conditions, and how to support PDAers in an effective way.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the impact of perceived demands on the nervous system.
- List at least two potential differential diagnoses for autism with a PDA profile.
- Identify at least one way to effectively support a PDAer.
About the Presenter
Jessica Mertins, LICSW has a masters of social work from the University of St. Thomas/Saint Catherine University and is currently an outpatient therapist, licensure supervisor, and Neurodiversity Specialist at Fernbrook Family Center. She trains from a perspective that blends her lived experience as a neurodivergent person, her professional experience, and her research and learning from other lived experience educators.