Understanding PDA and Behaviour: One day conference

Aug 22, 2019 at 09:00 — 16:00 (BST)
St Mary's Church, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S2 4QZ
Organiser: SPECTRUM Savvy
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Speakers:

Julia Daunt is a 36 year old who lives in Nottinghamshire with her partner Paul and her 2 cats. She was diagnosed with PDA at the age of 12. At this time she was also diagnosed with ADHD and psychotic episodes. Julia now spends the majority of her time helping others gain a better understanding of PDA either through writing her blog, talking at national events or through the numerous Facebook support groups she’s involved with. She is also writing an autobiographical book with Ruth Fidler. Julia offers an informative and witty insight in life with PDA, as well as delivering a professional-standard presentation.

Edith Coberman is a 12 year old girl with PDA who lives in South Yorkshire with her family and two dogs. She was diagnosed with PDA privately over 3 years ago after CAMHS failed to identify her as being on the autistic spectrum. After Edith's mainstream school placement broke down she spent a year out of school. Since 2017 Edith has been lucky enough to attend a specialist autism school which understands PDA and provides her with the 1:1 flexible support and curriculum she needs. Edith has her own PDA fundraising page and sells her own art work to raise money for the PDA Society. She is particularly passionate about raising awareness of PDA from a masker's perspective. In August 2018 Edith was also diagnosed with JIA (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis) which has brought her yet more challenges.

Nicola Beldham has worked with children, young people and adults on the autistic spectrum in a range of settings and roles. She found her vocation in 1994 and ever since, has always strived for and facilitated a better understanding of the condition. Nicola has a particular interest in behaviour and how it is used to communicate. Nicola has a degree in Human Communication, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and a masters in Autism with distinction. She led a specialist Further Education team to be finalists for a National Autistic Society award for innovative practice. Nicola is now an autism specialist at a local FE College where she teaches autistic learners to work through their challenges and promotes inclusive practice, especially within a neurodiverse perspective.  

Event Programme:
9:00-9:25am Arrival and registration  
9:25-9:30am Introductions and briefing  
9:30am-11am Behaviour as Communication with Nicola Beldham An interactive and reflective session to help you consider what behaviour may be communicating and what we might need to do about it.
11-11:15am Break Tea and coffee facilities available.  
11:15-12:30 Understanding PDA with Julia Daunt A personal and pragmatic explanation of Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome and implications for daily living.
12:30-1:15 Lunch Cold buffet provided. Café also onsite.
1:15-1:45pm Understanding PDA Q&A: A young person's perspective with Edith Coberman. Get a deeper understanding of PDA from a young 'masker's' point of view.
1:45pm-3:15pm Coping with PDA from an adult's perspective with Julia Daunt. Developing a deeper understanding of PDA including some difficult personal accounts coupled with practical guidance on what you can do to reduce demand related anxieties.
3:15-3:45pm Question and Answer session An opportunity to ask any of the speakers any follow up questions.
3:45-4pm Feedback and Departures A chance to tell us what you thought of the event and a final opportunity to browse materials provided.

The Venue: 

St Mary's Conference Venue: The Garden Room

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