In-Network

Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance

Webinar Overview
Join us for Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance, a 1 hour webinar presented by Karen Bearss, Ph.D., Vice President of Caregiver-Mediated Solutions at Catalight.

This session offers a comprehensive overview of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), focusing on clinical characteristics, the intersection between PDA and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and practical strategies for supporting youth with demand-avoidant traits. Participants will explore current conversations in the field, learn how to differentiate PDA from other behavioral profiles, and gain tools for applying PDA-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approaches in clinical practice.

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Webinar Details

Course Details

Webinar Info

1 fully virtual webinar

1 quiz

Level: Intermediate

Price: Complementary for Catalight Care Service in-network practitioners

Exam Details

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Summarize at least three key points from current conversations about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).
  • List three clinical characteristics of youth with PDA.
  • Specify three intervention strategies that effectively support youth with PDA.
Continuing Education

Continuing Education

Credits for eligible participants:

1 APA
1 BACB
1 CAMFT
1 OT

More information

Presenter

Headshot of Karen Bearss

Karen Bearss, Ph.D.
Vice President of Caregiver-Mediated Solutions at Catalight

Degrees/Credentials

  • Licensed Psychologist #Y60675554
  • Ph.D., Clinical Child Psychology, University of Florida
  • MS, Clinical Psychology, University of Florida
  • BS, Psychology, University of Florida

Disclosures: Dr. Bearss receives royalties from Oxford University Press and grant funding from NIMH and the Eagles Autism Foundation.

Current Position

  • Creator of RUBI
  • Vice President of Caregiver Mediated Care Solutions, Catalight

Who Should Take This Webinar?

  • This webinar is designed for clinicians, therapists, educators, and professionals who work with autistic youth and their families—particularly those supporting individuals with co-occurring challenging behaviors. It's well-suited for anyone interested in learning more about PDA and how to apply flexible, neurodiversity-affirming strategies in clinical or educational settings.

Prerequisites

  • None
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Webinar

Pricing

Member Price: Complementary for Catalight Care Service in-network practitioners.

For more information on our refund, accommodation and other related policies, please see our policy page.

Webinar Outcomes

  • This webinar aims to support participants in describing current perspectives on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), recognizing key clinical characteristics, and understanding how PDA intersects with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). It also provides practical strategies for supporting PDA youth through parent-mediated interventions and applying a neurodiversity-affirming, individualized approach to care.