PDA Profile

Understanding the PDA profile

Accurate, current information on what PDA is and why the demand avoidance happens is the starting point, whether for a person with PDA, a parent or a professional. A lot of what's out there is wrong.

In practice: Mapping which demands feel manageable, which trigger avoidance and what makes the difference, so strategies fit you.

Anxiety reduction at the root

Because PDA is anxiety-driven, reducing the overall anxiety load is the primary lever. We work on what builds and drains the anxiety bucket, and how to keep it as low as possible.

In practice: Identifying hidden demands in daily life, including self-imposed ones, and finding ways to reduce the overall demand load without losing what matters.

Low-demand approaches and autonomy

PDA-appropriate support is collaborative and choice-based. We work with individuals and families on low-demand frameworks that reduce conflict and support engagement.

In practice: Creating a "menu of options" approach to necessary tasks, so there's always some choice, even when the task itself is non-negotiable.

PDA in adults

Adult PDA, often unidentified, creates particular difficulties in work, relationships, and everyday functioning. We work on understanding your own profile and building work, relationships and daily routines with enough autonomy built in.

In practice: Reviewing a typical week for the points where demands pile up at work, at home and in relationships, then building in more autonomy, such as flexible deadlines and negotiated routines.

Supporting families living with PDA

Living with or parenting a person with PDA is hard. The strategies that work for other children don't work. The judgement from outside is intense. We support the whole family.

In practice: Helping parents and family members understand the PDA profile and shift from compliance-based strategies to collaborative, autonomy-respecting ones.

PDA and school

Schools are demand-heavy environments. PDA and the school system are often a terrible match. We work on school-related anxiety, school refusal, and working with schools to understand PDA-appropriate adjustments.

In practice: Preparing a one-page summary of your child's demand triggers and helpful approaches to share with school staff, and planning a graded return after time away.

What it costs

Pricing for PDA-informed support follows the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. What you pay depends on the session type and whether it's a weekday, evening, or weekend appointment. If NDIS funding doesn't apply, private and self-funded sessions are available. Cost is always confirmed with you in writing before anything starts.

Am I eligible?

Support around a PDA profile is usually accessed through NDIS Capacity Building funding, typically Improved Daily Living, and Improved Relationships for families working on this together. A support coordinator or plan manager can help confirm what your plan covers. Private and self-funded access is available too. You don't need a formal diagnosis before reaching out. Many families and adults we work with are still figuring out what's going on, or waiting on an assessment.

Where we work

We're based in Thomastown and work across Greater Melbourne, the northern, western, and eastern suburbs. Online and telehealth sessions are available too, and some of our support extends into regional Victoria.

How to start

Reach out by phone, our contact form, or email. The first conversation is about what's happening, and you share as much as you want to. No demands are placed on you. From there, we match you with a practitioner who works collaboratively with PDA profiles. A first session is usually booked within a few business days.