Inaugural PDA Conference Australia 2025

You're invited to join us for Australia's first conference on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) being held at Optus Stadium, Perth, WA on Tuesday 11th November 2025.

PDA is an atypical autism profile, officially recognised by the Australian Federal Government in the National Autism Strategy (January 2025). PDA is described as an anxiety-driven need for autonomy and equity, leading to extreme resistance to and avoidance of everyday demands and expectations — in order to reduce a heightened threat response and overwhelming anxiety.

Traditional behaviour management approaches used in parenting, teaching and therapy are ineffective and often damaging to the mental health and lives of children with a PDA profile ("PDAers") and their support systems.

So how do we support PDAers better?

Our fantastic panel will share their extensive expertise and wisdom. Hear from lived experience speakers, Psychiatrists, world-renowned autism experts, Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, School Educators, and Academic Researchers.

• See the conference flyer and draft program on Facebook or email pdaconferenceaustralia@gmail.com for more info.
• The final 50 tickets for professionals to attend in-person have just been released. Once these are gone, the event will be completely sold out.
• Digital passes for a full conference recording will also be available. Access begins in December 2025 and recordings can be viewed for 3 months from the issue date.
• Join over 650 medical, allied health and education professionals, and parents/carers from across Australia to learn more about PDA.

We hope to see you in sunny Perth in November 2025!

Heidi Brandis
Convenor, Inaugural PDA Conference Australia 2025
Board Chair, PDA Perth WA Incorporated (NFP hosting Conference)

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