Deliver toUnited Arab Emirates
The Educator’s Experience of Pathological Demand Avoidance: An Illustrated Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance and Learning

Description:

I realised EVERYTHING I was doing was wrong.
I needed to learn.
I needed to change.

During Laura Kerbey's time teaching autistic children, she had a sudden realisation that those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) are children like no other! None of her tried and tested autism strategies would work to help them focus or learn and most of her time was spent wondering,
what am I doing wrong?

If you feel the same, this short, easy-to-read guide is here to teach you everything you need to know from one educator to another. With an introduction to what PDA is followed by PDA tailored advice on how to connect with your student and create an autonomous, spontaneous environment that is personalised for you both, this guide is here to ensure that you and your PDA student thrive!

Illustrated by the popular Eliza Fricker and packed with entertaining anecdotes (including one about Jabba the Hut's poo), this go-to-guide contains everything you need to start implementing PDA friendly learning to help you connect with your student and help them make the most of their learning experience.


Editorial Reviews

Review

This positive and lively guide to working with children with PDA will become an essential part of every educator's library. Easy to dip into, entertaining and yet also full of important truths, you'll finish the book excited about the opportunities which arise when you stop fighting and instead get alongside children with PDA. You'll be shown how to rethink your interactions with children with PDA and through this create the circumstances for them to thrive. It's well worth the effort. -- Dr Naomi Fisher, clinical psychologist and author of Changing Our Minds.

I wish Laura had written this book ages ago . It gives a really clear picture of what it is like to have PDA and some excellent ideas of how to help in school and college . Every teacher should own a copy of this book , not just those who work with students with PDA ....teachers need to remember we are not always ' fine in school,' and you never stop learning ! -- Caitlin, 16 ,PDA’er.

The book is easily digestible and has some fantastic experiences and strategies that I can bring to my practice immediately. Some really thought provoking ideas. -- Katie Braid, Primary School Teacher

I don't think I've been so excited by a book around PDA before, well, no some I have, but I actually think this is the best book so far I've read on helping "educators" understand how it all actually should happen. Because of the lived experience and personal stories, (both of successes and failures), and the language used, (omg plus those awesome images!), this is an incredibly important tool in supporting those in education to begin to reframe and rethink their approaches and education styles.

The frankness, the examples and then the explanation of how and why really works, and I think can be accessed by educators, new and old.

-- Tigger Pritchard Autistic/PDA Advocate, Consultant and Trainer Mind the Gap-Bridging the Neurodivide, www.tiggertraining.com

Book Description

Concise, light-hearted intro to PDA for time-poor teachers, illustrated by the popular Eliza Fricker

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for Educators and parents

S. · May 11, 2023

I absolutely loved this book! This is an educators first hand experience working with children who have a PDA profile. Stories and examples of what worked and what didn’t and realistic expectations on what to expect were brilliant.The book was 128 pages long packed with just enough information and insight to truly open the eyes of educators and give them the confidence and encouragement to rally behind children with this profile. I can’t say enough about this book. This book provides real life experiences and stories and some are just hilarious! This isn’t your standard PDA ‘how to’ book. This book has heart.Illustrations by Eliza Fricker tell a story of their own.I could write a book about this book. I highly recommend it for any educator working with children, even without a PDA profile. This works for every child who struggles with anxiety and demand avoidance.

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for educators

N. · November 26, 2023

A great little book for anyone needing more information regarding PDA children and the education system.I wish everyone who works in special ed (administrators including) would read this book.I've had a horrific experience with the public school system and if I could start over, I'd ask specifically all the people who evaluated my child in the IEP process (especially the assistant director for the committee for special education) read this before making decisions about my child.I realize they likely wouldn't read it had I asked but thats the problem I've encountered. No empathy, no compassion.If you have someone in your life who interacts with your PDA child and you wish they knew more about their condition, this book is great because it has a lot of good info but it's also a light and quick read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Perspective

A.C. · December 30, 2024

Very quick read and it gives insight into PDA. A lot of things a veteran teacher begins to figure out, but it validates the different approach needed with PDA tendencies. Old school rigid teachers could benefit from this quick read.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good as an intro, not as detailed as I wanted.

A. · April 28, 2025

This would be good as an introduction to this student profile, but it did not have as many specific suggestions as I was hoping for as an educator familiar with this already.

5.0 out of 5 stars Pictures are worth 1k words. Great for advocacy.

m. · July 14, 2024

We have most of the books about PDA published in English. This title has been the most helpful for advocating for our kiddo because of the illustrations and comics. It’s hard to get educators,extra curricular teachers/coaches, and family members to pay attention or read info we share with them about PDA, so the illustrations are just that much more effective. Content is great too. Compassionate and affirming.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book about PDA

M.N. · January 28, 2025

Laura Kirby has written an excellent book for anyone who works with a child/person who is a PDAer. I got it to help me as I homeschool my PDA grandson. It did not disappoint!

5.0 out of 5 stars PDA- very informative book

E. · March 14, 2025

Very informative

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for educators

C.E. · April 22, 2023

Super easy read. I was able to read the book in a couple hours. SPED teachers this is a must read. PDA kids do not fit into the style of behavior plans that you have learned. This book provides a better understanding of how to work with PDA kids through relationships, humor, out of the box thinking while being aware of anxiety triggers.As a parent I recommend this book not only to educators but to parents. As a parent knowing what works for your child you can provide tools for providers that work with your child.

Good resource for teachers

J.D. · October 22, 2025

Highly recommend for teachers struggling to understand PDA kids. I already work with PDA kids but this has given me a better understanding on what I can do.

just perfect

a. · October 7, 2023

Fast reading, many tips ! Great for parents, teachers and educators.I recommend as it is an easy reading and effective guidelines.

fast read, accurate & helpful.

M. · May 23, 2025

True and to the point for PDAers. Some great tips along the way. Easy fast read. Well written by Laura Kerbey.

Fantastically written book

S. · September 22, 2023

I have purchased this book 3 times now, first for myself, my son is Pda. I'm not a big book reader but this book is brilliant, from the texture of its cover to the amazingly written details around education for pda'ers. I've used this book in my son's EHCP any professional working with my son needs to be familiar with this book. Nanna has also requested a copy she has read mine and thought it captured pda so well and love the book, and the third copy is for a family friend who has a daughter and grandchildren with pda and wants to know more so she can help with education and communication. I’ve seem many reviews on this book and I thought it was about time I gave mine. This book is a must read in my opinion, it's so nice and refreshing to read a book that you can identify with your child and the tips and advice are envaluble for any one wanting to help their pda'er thrive.

Gut für den Einstieg

B.W. · March 20, 2025

Mir fehlt etwas der wissenschaftliche, theoretische Teil in diesem Buch. Aber der Titel sagt ja bereits, dass es hier um die Erfahrungen einer lehrkraft im Umgang mit Kindern mit dieser Besonderheit geht.Auch ist mir oft die sichtweise zu positiv und entspricht leider Gottes nicht dem was wir im Alltag erleben, aber für eine erste Annäherung an das Thema ist dieses Buch geeignet, auch um diverse eigene Ängste zu reduzieren.

The Educator’s Experience of Pathological Demand Avoidance: An Illustrated Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance and Learning

Product ID: U1839976969
Condition: New

4.7

(188 ratings)

AED15342

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

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While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

More from this brand

Similar items from “Behavioral Disorders”

The Educator’s Experience of Pathological Demand Avoidance: An Illustrated Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance and Learning

Product ID: U1839976969
Condition: New

4.7

(188 ratings)
The Educator’s Experience of Pathological Demand Avoidance: An Illustrated Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance and Learning-0
Type: Paperback

AED15342

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

I realised EVERYTHING I was doing was wrong.
I needed to learn.
I needed to change.

During Laura Kerbey's time teaching autistic children, she had a sudden realisation that those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) are children like no other! None of her tried and tested autism strategies would work to help them focus or learn and most of her time was spent wondering,
what am I doing wrong?

If you feel the same, this short, easy-to-read guide is here to teach you everything you need to know from one educator to another. With an introduction to what PDA is followed by PDA tailored advice on how to connect with your student and create an autonomous, spontaneous environment that is personalised for you both, this guide is here to ensure that you and your PDA student thrive!

Illustrated by the popular Eliza Fricker and packed with entertaining anecdotes (including one about Jabba the Hut's poo), this go-to-guide contains everything you need to start implementing PDA friendly learning to help you connect with your student and help them make the most of their learning experience.


Editorial Reviews

Review

This positive and lively guide to working with children with PDA will become an essential part of every educator's library. Easy to dip into, entertaining and yet also full of important truths, you'll finish the book excited about the opportunities which arise when you stop fighting and instead get alongside children with PDA. You'll be shown how to rethink your interactions with children with PDA and through this create the circumstances for them to thrive. It's well worth the effort. -- Dr Naomi Fisher, clinical psychologist and author of Changing Our Minds.

I wish Laura had written this book ages ago . It gives a really clear picture of what it is like to have PDA and some excellent ideas of how to help in school and college . Every teacher should own a copy of this book , not just those who work with students with PDA ....teachers need to remember we are not always ' fine in school,' and you never stop learning ! -- Caitlin, 16 ,PDA’er.

The book is easily digestible and has some fantastic experiences and strategies that I can bring to my practice immediately. Some really thought provoking ideas. -- Katie Braid, Primary School Teacher

I don't think I've been so excited by a book around PDA before, well, no some I have, but I actually think this is the best book so far I've read on helping "educators" understand how it all actually should happen. Because of the lived experience and personal stories, (both of successes and failures), and the language used, (omg plus those awesome images!), this is an incredibly important tool in supporting those in education to begin to reframe and rethink their approaches and education styles.

The frankness, the examples and then the explanation of how and why really works, and I think can be accessed by educators, new and old.

-- Tigger Pritchard Autistic/PDA Advocate, Consultant and Trainer Mind the Gap-Bridging the Neurodivide, www.tiggertraining.com

Book Description

Concise, light-hearted intro to PDA for time-poor teachers, illustrated by the popular Eliza Fricker

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for Educators and parents

S. · May 11, 2023

I absolutely loved this book! This is an educators first hand experience working with children who have a PDA profile. Stories and examples of what worked and what didn’t and realistic expectations on what to expect were brilliant.The book was 128 pages long packed with just enough information and insight to truly open the eyes of educators and give them the confidence and encouragement to rally behind children with this profile. I can’t say enough about this book. This book provides real life experiences and stories and some are just hilarious! This isn’t your standard PDA ‘how to’ book. This book has heart.Illustrations by Eliza Fricker tell a story of their own.I could write a book about this book. I highly recommend it for any educator working with children, even without a PDA profile. This works for every child who struggles with anxiety and demand avoidance.

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for educators

N. · November 26, 2023

A great little book for anyone needing more information regarding PDA children and the education system.I wish everyone who works in special ed (administrators including) would read this book.I've had a horrific experience with the public school system and if I could start over, I'd ask specifically all the people who evaluated my child in the IEP process (especially the assistant director for the committee for special education) read this before making decisions about my child.I realize they likely wouldn't read it had I asked but thats the problem I've encountered. No empathy, no compassion.If you have someone in your life who interacts with your PDA child and you wish they knew more about their condition, this book is great because it has a lot of good info but it's also a light and quick read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Perspective

A.C. · December 30, 2024

Very quick read and it gives insight into PDA. A lot of things a veteran teacher begins to figure out, but it validates the different approach needed with PDA tendencies. Old school rigid teachers could benefit from this quick read.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good as an intro, not as detailed as I wanted.

A. · April 28, 2025

This would be good as an introduction to this student profile, but it did not have as many specific suggestions as I was hoping for as an educator familiar with this already.

5.0 out of 5 stars Pictures are worth 1k words. Great for advocacy.

m. · July 14, 2024

We have most of the books about PDA published in English. This title has been the most helpful for advocating for our kiddo because of the illustrations and comics. It’s hard to get educators,extra curricular teachers/coaches, and family members to pay attention or read info we share with them about PDA, so the illustrations are just that much more effective. Content is great too. Compassionate and affirming.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book about PDA

M.N. · January 28, 2025

Laura Kirby has written an excellent book for anyone who works with a child/person who is a PDAer. I got it to help me as I homeschool my PDA grandson. It did not disappoint!

5.0 out of 5 stars PDA- very informative book

E. · March 14, 2025

Very informative

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for educators

C.E. · April 22, 2023

Super easy read. I was able to read the book in a couple hours. SPED teachers this is a must read. PDA kids do not fit into the style of behavior plans that you have learned. This book provides a better understanding of how to work with PDA kids through relationships, humor, out of the box thinking while being aware of anxiety triggers.As a parent I recommend this book not only to educators but to parents. As a parent knowing what works for your child you can provide tools for providers that work with your child.

Good resource for teachers

J.D. · October 22, 2025

Highly recommend for teachers struggling to understand PDA kids. I already work with PDA kids but this has given me a better understanding on what I can do.

just perfect

a. · October 7, 2023

Fast reading, many tips ! Great for parents, teachers and educators.I recommend as it is an easy reading and effective guidelines.

fast read, accurate & helpful.

M. · May 23, 2025

True and to the point for PDAers. Some great tips along the way. Easy fast read. Well written by Laura Kerbey.

Fantastically written book

S. · September 22, 2023

I have purchased this book 3 times now, first for myself, my son is Pda. I'm not a big book reader but this book is brilliant, from the texture of its cover to the amazingly written details around education for pda'ers. I've used this book in my son's EHCP any professional working with my son needs to be familiar with this book. Nanna has also requested a copy she has read mine and thought it captured pda so well and love the book, and the third copy is for a family friend who has a daughter and grandchildren with pda and wants to know more so she can help with education and communication. I’ve seem many reviews on this book and I thought it was about time I gave mine. This book is a must read in my opinion, it's so nice and refreshing to read a book that you can identify with your child and the tips and advice are envaluble for any one wanting to help their pda'er thrive.

Gut für den Einstieg

B.W. · March 20, 2025

Mir fehlt etwas der wissenschaftliche, theoretische Teil in diesem Buch. Aber der Titel sagt ja bereits, dass es hier um die Erfahrungen einer lehrkraft im Umgang mit Kindern mit dieser Besonderheit geht.Auch ist mir oft die sichtweise zu positiv und entspricht leider Gottes nicht dem was wir im Alltag erleben, aber für eine erste Annäherung an das Thema ist dieses Buch geeignet, auch um diverse eigene Ängste zu reduzieren.

More from this brand

Similar items from “Behavioral Disorders”