Beyond the DSM: Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA) Across the Lifespan 2 CEUS

Description

2 CEUS – Previously Recorded on Fri May 9, 2025 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT

Includes: Instructions with Video Recording, Outline, Presentation Slides

Course Description

Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA) is a lesser-known but vital aspect of neurodivergent experience, most commonly associated with autism but also seen in other neurodivergent presentations. Individuals with PDA experience a fundamental need for autonomy and control over their environment, leading to intense anxiety, demand avoidance, and burnout when pressured. Traditional behavioral and compliance-based approaches often backfire, reinforcing distress and disconnection.

This course explores PDA across the lifespan, recognizing how it presents in children, teens, and adults and how best to support autonomy while fostering connection and well-being. Through a blend of bottom-up (body-based, sensory, and regulation-focused) and top-down (cognitive, environmental, and relational) strategies, participants will learn to create supportive, low-demand environments that work with, rather than against, the PDA profile.

Educational Goals:

• Foster increased understanding and empathy towards individuals with a PDA profile, promoting a shift from pathology-focused frameworks to a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.
• Enhance skills to implement practical, autonomy-supportive strategies in clinical, educational, and caregiving contexts.

Learning Objectives:

• Define Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA)
• Identify at least three key characteristics of PDA at each life stage (children, adolescents, adults).
• Name at least three strategies to support nervous system regulation for PDA individuals.
• Name at least three collaborative strategies to support PDA brain styles effectively in therapeutic, educational, and home settings.

Living Lotus Family Therapy, Inc. (#1032776) is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) to sponsor continuing education for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC), and Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP). Continuing education offered is suitable for BBS license renewal. Living Lotus Family Therapy, Inc. maintains responsibility for the following courses and content. Questions about our programs? Check out our FAQ.