Beyond the Label
Enrollment is currently closed. Please reach out to be notified of future groups.
Beyond the Label: A Support Group for Parents of PDA Kids
Beyond the Label is a virtual support group in CA for parents of PDA autistic children. Our mission is to cultivate genuine connections and community, support one another through the challenges of parenting, and look beyond the label of PDA to celebrate the strengths and uniqueness of our amazing children.
Details
Who
This group is intended for parents of PDA autistic children (formal diagnosis not required). This group is limited to 8 participants.
When
We will meet weekly, every Friday morning from 8:45-9:45am. FIRST GROUP STARTS JULY, 2024.
Where
This is a virtual group. Sessions will take place on SimplePractice; a HIPPA compliant video platform.
Investment
Each session is $60, and billing occurs the morning of each session.
Meet Your Facilitator
Hi! I’m Lane. I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, and mom to a PDA autistic 7 year old daughter. When I first learned about PDA, everything suddenly made sense…but to say I was overwhelmed is a gross understatement! My personal experiences with this challenging profile of autism, combined with my professional experience as a trauma trained therapist, and autist myself, allow me to provide a unique perspective and an abundance of empathy.
FAQs
What is PDA?
Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) is a profile of autism, characterized by a survival drive for autonomy. Although it is still relatively new to the United States, PDA is well recognized in other countries such as those in the U.K. For information on PDA including resources, please visit the PDA North America website.
What’s the commitment and attendance policy?
Group cohesion and trust are a vital part of group therapy. In order for this to work, participants need to commit to attending at least 80% of the sessions. For an 8 week group, a minimum of 6 sessions must be attended. For a 10 week group, a minimum of 8 sessions must be attended. Additionally, a full 24 hours notice is required for cancellations to avoid incurring the full session fee.
Is this a closed group, or can I drop in anytime?
This is a closed group that will open when/if a spot becomes available at the end of the 8 weeks. Members are welcome to remain in the group for as long as they find value and wish to continue their participation.
Can I bring a friend or partner?
Confidentiality, safety, and trust are the pillars of group therapy. To avoid a conflict of interest, only individuals who have been pre-screened, admitted to the group and have a registered spot may attend sessions. Friends or partners are welcome to reach out to join the waiting list for future openings/groups.
Does my kid need a formal diagnosis of autism or PDA for me to participate in this group?
No, and here’s why:
Formal diagnoses are EXPENSIVE, costing thousands of dollars. This is inaccessible for many people.
Since PDA is still relatively unknown in the United States, finding a PDA trained and affirming provider to do the assessments can be challenging.
Providers who are not familiar with PDA may misdiagnose a child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or miss autism completely, due to the expert level masking employed by PDA kids.
ARE YOU READY TO START?
If you’re interested in scheduling a 15-minute screening call to enroll in the group, or to be listed on my referral sheet for notification about upcoming groups launching later in the year, please fill out the form below.
