PDA Support & Connection
PDA Support & Connection Chat Group
We offer a FREE PDA Support & Connection Chat Group. The group is held twice a month on Tuesdays. You are welcome to join morning, evening or both. The group is open to anyone looking for support and a deeper understanding of PDA.
This group is about connection, community and co-regulation.
Come just as you are. You are welcome to participate however you feel most comfortable; camera on or off, ask questions or just listen.
Send us a request through email to be added to our Zoom link email list.
1-on-1 Support
We offer 1-on-1 and individualized support through private coaching sessions. Whether you are a parent, carer, or professional, we can help deepen your understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). We can help you understand challenging behaviors and understand PDA. We can offer guidance with school and IEP's as well as Home Education.
Coaching Sessions are $75 per hour. Please let us know which team member you would like to schedule with.
Training & Education
We have several opportunities for PDA and autism training & education.
We offer group trainings that can be customized to fit your group.
We are available for conference presentations and break-out sessions, or public speaking. We have options for virtual or in-person.
We offer virtual webinars and workshops on various subjects. These may be live or pre-recorded.
We offer a bi-weeky support group and individualized support through 1-on-1 coaching sessions.
You can email us to request more information.
Group & School Training
Option 1. Four-Hours of Training - $1000
- Part 1: PDA 101
- Part 2: Implications for the Student
- Part 3: Supporting the Student
- Part 4: Follow-Up & Adjustments
Option 2. Three-Hours of Training - $750
- Part 1: PDA 101 – 1 hour + 30-minute Q&A
- Part 2: PDA in the School Setting – 1 hour + 30-minute Q&A
Option 3. Certified Level 3 PDA Training; Supporting Children, Teens, or Young Adults with Pathological Demand Avoidance Certification Awarded through the Open College Network – London- $325/per participant* {*10% discount for 5+ participants}
Option 4. Custom training to fit your group.
Meet Our Certified PDA Trainers & Coaches
Heather Jessup, M.Ed.
- K-12 Special Education licensed teacher in the state of Florida
- K-6 Elementary Education licensed teacher in the state of Florida
- Gifted Education endorsement in the state of Florida
- ESOL endorsement in the state of Florida
- Early Childhood P-3 licensed teacher in the state of Ohio
- Early Childhood (4-5) Generalist endorsement in the state of Ohio
- Intervention Specialist (K-12) Mild/Moderate licensed teacher in the state of Ohio
- Certified PDA Trainer through PAST and the Open College Network – London
- Co-Founder of Journeys With PDA
Heather, who is neurodivergent herself (ADHD), is the mom of an amazingly brilliant and hilariously funny autistic young man with a suspected Pathological Demand Avoidance profile.
After years of trying to find appropriate supports for him, Heather and her husband decided to fully incorporate a PDA friendly environment in their home. The result has been life-changing.
With the combination of child-led homeschooling (unschooling) and a very low demand, low arousal approach, their family, and more importantly their son, is thriving.
Heather endeavors to educate and support professionals and families about PDA. She is available for trainings and consultations and looks forward to working with those who wish to learn more about this unique profile.
Kerissa Lyman
- Certified PDA Trainer through PAST and the Open College Network – London
- Co-Owner of Journeys With PDA (2022)
- Level 2 PDA Training course through PAST and the Open College Network – London
- Advanced Training Workshop for Dr. Ross Greene's Collaborative & Proactive Solutions model
- Certificate in Counseling -Udemy
- The Nurture Programme:
- Nurturing Autism;
- PDA Nurture Programme
- Nurturing Anxiety
Kerissa is the mother of two children. Her daughter has been identified as autistic with Pathological Demand Avoidance profile. Her son is also autistic. Shortly after both children were diagnosed autistic, Kerissa came to realized that she is neurodivergent as well. At the age of 35 she was diagnosed as autistic.
In an effort to better understand her children and herself she began to learn as much as possible about the autistic experience and how to support Pathological Demand Avoidance profile. Kerissa and her husband decided to put aside everything considered normal or traditional to pursue an authentic autistic life for their family.
Once implementing a Low Demand Lifestyle combined with trust, compassion and home education their family has become more peaceful and joy filled.
Kerissa is passionate about helping individuals and families further their understanding of the autistic experience and PDA. She is available for trainings, public speaking and individualized support through 1-on-1 coaching session. She is also the author of the blog LivingLyman where she shares her experiences.
