Diane Gould is a dedicated professional who has spent years helping autistic children and their families. She is the founder of PDA North America and provides consultation and training for families, schools, and agencies. She also offers social skills programs such as the PEERS program and Dinner with Friends for teens and young adults.

This interview provides insight into her work, her experience with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), and available resources for families and professionals.

Learning About PDA

How Did You Learn About PDA?

Diane first heard about PDA several years ago but did not initially explore it deeply. At the time, many autism-related concepts were emerging, making it difficult to focus on everything. However, about two years ago, a persistent mother insisted that PDA explained her son’s behavior and sent numerous articles from the UK.

What caught Diane’s attention was the approach PDA outlines for managing challenging behavior, which aligned with her own strategies for working with vulnerable and traumatized children. This led her to pursue further learning, including a certification program with Laura Kerbey in the UK. Eventually, she conducted a webinar and organized the first PDA workshop in the U.S., where she connected with many parents who had discovered PDA on their own and appreciated her efforts in raising awareness.

PDA North America and Its Goals

Can You Tell Me More About PDANorthAmerica.com?

The PDA North America website was launched in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 shutdown. The extra time allowed Diane to develop the site quickly to serve as a resource for parents and professionals.

Goals of the Website:

Provide credible information about PDA for parents to share with skeptics.
Offer a directory of certified PDA professionals that parents can contact.
List valuable resources, including books, podcasts, and training programs.

Resources for Parents and Families

How Can Parents Learn More About PDA?

Parents interested in PDA can:

Email Diane through the PDA North America website.
Visit the PDA Society in the UK, which is considered the best global resource for PDA information.

What Resources Are Available for Families?

PDA North America provides a range of resources, including:

Books, podcasts, and website listings.
Monthly webinars on PDA-related topics.
Parent-led support groups.
A home/unschooling circle led by Zach Morris for parents seeking alternative education methods.
A professional directory for parents looking for trained PDA specialists.
An annual conference, with the next event scheduled for March 3–4 in Chicago.

Opportunities for Professionals

How Can Professionals Get Involved with PDA?

Diane collaborates with Laura Kerbey, who runs the PDA certification process. Professionals interested in learning about PDA can also email Diane directly. There is a growing demand for trained professionals to support families dealing with PDA.

How Can Professionals Get Involved with PDA

The PEERS Program

What Is the PEERS Program?

PEERS is an evidence-based program designed for teens and young adults to help them develop and maintain friendships. The young adult version of the program also includes dating skills. Diane has been offering this program for years, and it was featured on the television show Love on the Spectrum. Participants often find it empowering as it provides structured, practical social skills training.

Learn More

Diane Gould continues to provide invaluable support to families and professionals working with autistic individuals. To learn more about her work and programs, visit:

Need an Autism Evaluation?

Dr. Jessica Myszak has over 10 years of experience performing psychological evaluations with children and adults. She offers both in-person and telehealth evaluations. In addition to seeing clients on the Chicago North Shore, she can work with families who reside in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin! If you want to learn more about potentially working with her, you can contact her to start the process.

FAQs

1. What is PDA?

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile of autism characterized by extreme avoidance of everyday demands due to high anxiety levels. Individuals with PDA often struggle with traditional behavioral strategies, making specialized approaches necessary.

2. How can parents support a child with PDA?

Parents can educate themselves through resources like PDA North America and the PDA Society. Joining support groups, working with trained professionals, and exploring alternative education strategies can also be beneficial.

3. Can professionals get certified in PDA?

Yes, professionals can pursue certification through training programs such as those offered by Laura Kerbey. PDA North America also provides guidance for those interested in learning more.

4. What makes the PEERS program unique?

The PEERS program is structured and evidence-based, focusing on real-world social skills for teens and young adults. Unlike traditional social skills training, it provides concrete strategies and practice opportunities.

Conclusion

Diane Gould’s work has been instrumental in bringing awareness to PDA and providing resources for families and professionals. Her commitment to consultation, training, and social skills programs continues to make a significant impact. Whether you are a parent seeking support or a professional looking to get involved, there are plenty of ways to learn and engage with PDA-related resources.