0-5 PDA in the Early Years:
Hidden in Plain Sight

On Demand available October 29th
or join us LIVE on October 22nd

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is a neurotype present from birth — yet it is frequently missed, misunderstood, or dismissed in the earliest years of life. For children aged 0–5, the signs can be subtle, complex, and often misread as "temper tantrums" rather than what they truly are: a nervous system seeking safety.

Early recognition changes everything.

In this workshop, we explore how to identify PDA traits in children before school age, so that carers and professionals can respond with understanding from the very beginning. Developed and facilitated by a Registered Clinical Counsellor and neurodivergent parent of two PDA children, this course brings together lived experience and practical knowledge to help you:
  • Recognize early signs of PDA in children aged 0–5
  • Understand the nervous system needs beneath the behavior
  • Build a supportive, aligned environment and team
  • Honor the child's sensitive system — early and often


Children's rights are human rights. Every child deserves to be seen, understood, and supported to be exactly who they are meant to be.

This course will cover...

  • What is and isn't PDA?
  • How might a PDA toddler seek safety?
  • The importance of working with families and personal stories from my 2 and 4 year old's PDA experience in their own words
  • What's included?
  • 2 hour live session with Q&A
  • slides & resources
  • 2 NBCC CE hours*

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:
  • Assess a child or caregiver’s expression of a child to identify signs of a PDAer who is 0-5 years old. 
  • Discuss with a family and/or care team your findings and co-create a supportive plan for the PDAer and family.

*NBCC CE hours

NeuroPebble has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7834. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. NeuroPebble is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Most licensing boards accept NBCC credits, though it is up to you to confirm if your license, board and state will accept NBCC continuing education units. 
Write your awesome label here.
Meet the instructor

Kelsey Ashe, RRC, ACS

Hi, I'm Kelsey — a clinical counsellor based in BC, Canada, with nearly 20 years in the mental health field and close to 10 years in clinical practice.

I am a late-identified AuDHDer and the parent of two young PDAers. I bring both lived experience and clinical knowledge to everything I do — and I believe that combination matters deeply.

I hold a profound belief in the brilliance and tenderness at the core of every PDA person. Those who get to co-create safety alongside them know what I mean — there is something truly remarkable about witnessing a PDAer's light when they feel safe enough to let it shine.

My clinical work is rooted in the intersection of trauma and neurodiversity. I am passionate about supporting people to:
  • Heal from the weight of unrecognized or unresolved trauma
  • Discover and understand who they truly are
  • Build lives that are genuinely aligned with their nervous systems and their needs

I also work closely with families — helping parents and caregivers better understand their tender little ones, and collaboratively building home environments that honour and support every member of the family.
Patrick Jones - Course author

Other Courses You May Like