Beyond the Basics:
Deepening therapeutic work with Autistic children with a PDA profile

LIVE on August 8th at 10 am PT
This advanced training is designed for clinicians who already practice from a neurodivergent-affirming framework and have foundational knowledge of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). The course offers a deeper exploration into therapeutic approaches tailored to autistic children who present with a PDA profile, focusing on building trust, supporting autonomy, and fostering meaningful therapeutic engagement.

This course prioritizes the integration of lived experience, clinical nuance, and developmentally respectful approaches, empowering therapists to deepen their impact while honoring the unique ways PDA shows up in the therapeutic space.

Participants will...

  • Explore how traditional therapy goals therapy goals and interventions may unintentionally create rupture or resistance in PDA clients
  • Learn strategies that support co-regulation, flexible scaffolding, and relational safety
  • Focus on understanding the interplay between nervous system regulation, autonomy, perceived safety, and collaborative care planning
  • Examine common clinical missteps, how to repair when ruptures occur, and how to partner with caregivers in supportive and affirming ways.
  • What's included?
  • 2 hour recorded webinar
  • webinar slides
  • 2 APA CEs*
*Most licensing boards accept APA credits, though it is up to you to confirm if your license, board and state will accept APA continuing education units. 

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:
  • Modify therapy approaches to reduce relational rupture and increase client-led engagement
  • Apply co-regulation and consent-based strategies that maintain therapeutic momentum
  • Integrate four autonomy-supportive strategies into collaborative care planning with caregivers and multidisciplinary teams.
Meet the instructor

Brooke Garren, LCSW

Brooke (she/her) is an autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic clinician, clinical supervisor, and founder of Uniquely You Behavioral Health and Affirming Minds Coaching & Consulting. She specializes in neurodivergent-affirming mental health care and has trained hundreds of professionals across the country in best practices for working with autistic children, including those with a PDA profile. Brooke combines her clinical experience, lived expertise, and trauma-informed lens to offer actionable insights that foster authentic therapeutic connection.

🌐 https://affirmingmindscoaching.com
📧 brooke@affirmingmindscoaching.com
📧 brooke@uniquelyyou.email
Patrick Jones - Course author