We've gained support from our parent-led petition from a range of supportive organisations, including the PDA Society.  Both Maddie and myself have children with a PDA profile. 

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is widely understood to be a profile on the autism spectrum, involving the avoidance of everyday demands and the use of ‘social’ strategies as part of this avoidance. PDA individuals share autistic characteristics and also have many of the ‘key features’ of a PDA profile.

The PDA Society had this to say on why they're supporting our petition

"7 in 10 PDA children and young people struggle to access a school environment.  Fining their parents and carers isn't going to fix this issue.  What we need is more awareness and understanding of the reasons why the education system isn't working for these young people, and measures to address this"

As parents we take a strength-based view of PDA - yes there are many strengths. But in the wrong environment, these can be hidden and distress behaviours mistaken for behavioural issues. These are then exacerbated by punishments that don't work because they don't address the true cause - anxiety. What we need here is understanding - and this applies to all SEND really. How much change could be driven simply by understanding?  A great deal we feel.

Thanks for your continued support

Maddie & Susan

PS. If you are interested you can find us on the following:

LBC Radio, Wednesday 23/02 at 3pm with Shelagh Fogerty

Facebook Live, Wednesday 23/02, 7.30pm on the NEST Facebook page NEST- Neurodivergent Education Support & Training

Look East, Friday 25/02