Getting PDA recognised — diagnosis and EHCP

Getting PDA recognised in the UK is patchy. Some areas embrace it, others don''t. Here''s how to navigate.

Step 1: Autism assessment

• PDA is a profile of autism
• Without an autism diagnosis, services rarely engage with PDA
• Ask GP for referral
• Take notes, videos and examples that show demand avoidance specifically

Step 2: Ask for the PDA profile to be named

• Some assessors will write "autism with a demand-avoidant profile" or similar
• Others won''t use the term — but the descriptions in the report can still be PDA in everything but name

Step 3: Education

• EHCP can describe PDA needs even without the diagnostic label
• Use the PDA Society''s parent guide to push for autism-/PDA-informed provision
• Section F should describe how support is delivered, not just what

Step 4: NHS support

• Sleep clinic if applicable
• OT for sensory needs
• CAMHS if severe anxiety (warning: many CAMHS teams don''t understand PDA)
• Private assessments may be needed if NHS doesn''t engage

Step 5: Find your people

• PDA Society UK
• Local parent support groups
• Other parents who get it

Benefits

PDA children almost always meet DLA criteria — significant supervision, care, communication and emotional support needs.

Source: Society UK.