Upcoming Events from MTABA
April 22,2025 via Zoom: 2 BACB CEUs!
Topic: Dr. Neff and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
Presenter: Melissa Neff, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Length: 3 – 5PM MTN TIME ZONE - 2 hours
Overview: This training will help behavioral health providers understand how to recognize the signs of Pathological Demand Avoidance, a subtype of autism that was initially identified in the UK by Dr. Elizabeth Newsom in the 1980’s. Although this autism subtype has not yet made it into the DSM-5, information about PDA is becoming more and more mainstream and widely accepted. It is especially important for behavior analysts to understand how the PDA subtype differs from traditional presentations of Autism Spectrum Disorder, as the treatments that work for PDA are often the polar opposite of what works for ASD. In this training, you will learn all 8 criteria for PDA, and how to “spot” PDA when working with resistant, anxious, avoidant, or explosive clients. You will learn about the way the PDA nervous system works and why traditional behavioral modification and shaping methods do not work with this population. You will receive a brief overview of treatment strategies for PDA and have a chance to ask questions about this autism subtype and how to work with PDA clients.
- Dr. Melissa Neff will do an hour presentation on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) including the information listed in the Overview description above.
- Traci Shinabarger, BCBA Discussant, will be talking for a half hour about ABA and PDA as well as how practitioners can address PDA and collaborate.
- For the last half hour, Dr. Melissa Neff and Traci Shinabarger will be taking questions and having a general discussion around PDA, treatment strategies, and how ABA professionals can collaborate with other professionals addressing PDA & treatment strategies.
Disclaimer: The Montana Association for Behavior Analysis (MTABA) organizes and facilitates training events, conferences, and workshops featuring various speakers and presenters. The views, opinions, recommendations, and content presented by these speakers are solely those of the individuals presenting and do not necessarily represent the official position, policies, or views of MTABA, its Board of Directors, contractors, or affiliates. MTABA does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided during these sessions. Attendees are encouraged to independently verify information and exercise professional judgment regarding its applicability.
