Let’s Redefine PDA! (Pathological Demand Avoidance)

Move beyond the label of Pathological Demand Avoidance and discover the nervous system’s role in the pervasive desire for autonomy. We will explore how honoring this intense need for agency naturally aligns with the foundations of democratic and self-directed education. By the end of this session, participants will leave with: – A fresh Polyvagal perspective on PDA that illustrates how establishing “felt safety” and prioritizing relationship is the vital first step for self-directed learning to naturally unfold. – A strength-based framework that bridges the PDA profile’s deep need for autonomy with the core tenets of democratic education, honoring their unique, outside-of-the-box way of being. – Actionable insights for customizing consent-based environments that remove the traditional borders around learning, protect a young person’s agency, and nurture the innate curiosity that drives authentic learning. – Collaborative practices to shift from directing to guiding, helping us let go of the traditional adult agenda so we can truly partner with young people and spark a lifelong love of learning on their own terms.