PDA & the Brain: What the Research Actually Tells Us

Hi, my name is Sabeeha. I’m a registered play therapist and currently in the final year of my Master’s in Neuroscience (by Research), with a focus on autism presentations.

I’m really passionate about translating research into language that helps practitioners think more clearly, ask better questions, and feel more grounded in the beautiful work we do with children and families. For me, it is about deepening our understanding so our practice feels thoughtful and intentional.

I’ve created this webinar as a comprehensive exploration of the current evidence and neuroscience of PDA. It will cover what we know so far, where the gaps and areas of debate remain, how sensory and nervous system processes may be involved, and how all of this can meaningfully inform play therapy practice.

If You’re Looking for Clarity on PDA…
If you’re feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or unsure how to think clearly about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) within your clinical work, this webinar is for you.

PDA is an area where theory, clinical experience, emerging research, and strong professional opinions often sit side by side. It can be difficult to know what is well-supported, what is still developing, and how to translate any of it into thoughtful therapeutic practice.

This training takes a neuroscience-informed lens to PDA. We explore what the current evidence base tells us about threat processing, autonomic regulation, control, relational safety, and tolerating uncertainty, and just as importantly, where the research remains limited or contested. The aim is not to promote a single narrative, but to help you critically evaluate the literature and feel more grounded in your clinical reasoning.

You can expect:

A clear synthesis of the current empirical literature

A neurobiological framework for understanding demand avoidance

Thoughtful discussion of areas of debate and uncertainty

Clear distinctions between evidence, hypothesis, and clinical interpretation

Translation of research into relational, play-therapy-informed practice

This is not a behaviour management workshop. It is a reflective, research-informed exploration designed to move you from conceptual confusion to clinical clarity.

If you are looking to deepen your understanding, sharpen your critical thinking, and feel more anchored in the “why” behind your interventions, this webinar will support that process.

**Please ensure you register for the webinar via the link provided once your order is complete.