From Diagnosis to Demand Avoidance: Advancing Autism Knowledge with Dr. Donna Henderson

This workshop is a follow-up to Dr. Henderson’s popular March session, which explored the diagnostic criteria for autism in depth. Building on that foundation, this workshop is divided into two informative parts:  

Part 1: We will examine how to distinguish autism from other conditions with overlapping features, including ADHD, OCD, social anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), social/pragmatic communication disorder, trauma, and borderline personality disorder. Through case examples and practical guidance, participants will gain confidence in making accurate differential diagnoses.

Part 2: The focus will shift to PDA, commonly known as pathological demand avoidance but more accurately described as a pervasive drive for autonomy. PDA is a theoretical subtype of autism that is well recognized in some countries and is now rapidly gaining traction here in the U.S. PDA is often misunderstood due to its name, which suggests willful avoidance of demands. However, this framework blames the child (and often their parents) and leads to interventions that are at best ineffective and at worst traumatic. In reality, PDA is a very specific neurological profile with well-established core features. This workshop will clarify the core characteristics of PDA and highlight why a different approach is essential for effective support. We will discuss practical strategies for assessment, intervention, and collaboration with families and educators.

NOTE: This workshop will not be recorded. Registrants must attend the full live event to receive CEUs and/or a certificate of attendance.

Dr. Donna Henderson has been a clinical neuropsychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about identifying and supporting autistic individuals, particularly those who camouflage, and she is co-author (with Drs. Sarah Wayland and Jamell White) of two books: Is This Autism? A guide for clinicians and everyone else and Is This Autism? A companion guide for diagnosing. Dr. Henderson’s professional home is The Stixrud Group in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she provides neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults who would like to understand themselves better. She is a sought-after lecturer on the less obvious presentations of autism, autistic girls and women, PDA, and on parenting children with complex profiles. She also enjoys providing neurodiversity-affirmative training and case consultation for other healthcare professionals.

This course meets the qualifications for 3 hours of continuing education credit for LEPs, LMFTs, LPCCs and LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. This course also qualifies for 3 hours of continuing professional development for Nationally Certified School Psychologists, under provider number 1025. CASP maintains responsibility for the program and its content.

Don't miss this opportunity!

If you are not yet a SCCASP member, JOIN now and save on all 2025-2026 events!  

Membership fees:

• Regular/Associate: $30
• Retired/Student: $20

For disability assistance, please contact events@sccasp.org.