Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): A Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach matters because it changes what a BCBA notices when decisions have to hold up in home routines and caregiver-led implementation, school teams and classroom routines. In Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): A Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach, for this course, the practical stakes show up in clearer roles, fewer duplicated efforts, and better coordinated intervention, not in abstract discussion alone.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Manhattan Psychology Group
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Join Free →This workshop, "Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)," offers professionals in education, psychology, and therapeutic settings a comprehensive exploration of PDA—a complex behavioral profile on the autism spectrum characterized by extreme demand avoidance driven by anxiety. Participants will gain a clear understanding of PDA's core characteristics, diagnostic considerations, and how it differs from other conditions such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and general anxiety disorders. The workshop will also present evidence-based strategies for effectively supporting individuals with PDA, including flexible intervention approaches, collaborative problem-solving techniques, and the PANDA framework for managing anxiety-driven behaviors. View more information here.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | General |
| APA | 1 | — |
| COA | 1 | — |
| NY State Board for Social Work CEs | 1 | — |
Dr. Ariel Kornblum is a licensed psychologist in New York State (#021301), a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA, #1-16-23753), and a New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst (#001532). She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from The George Washington University and completed her graduate studies at St. John's University. Dr. Kornblum also completed the CPD Accredited Training for professionals for supporting PDA children through the UK PDA society, as well as the level 1 training through PDANA. In her current role as Senior Director of Clinical Operations, Behavioral & Educational Services, Dr. Kornblum leads a multidisciplinary team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBA), behavior therapists, and certified special educators. This team provides comprehensive academic and therapeutic support to learners ages 2 to 21+ across schools, homes, and communities throughout the New York City metropolitan area. Dr. Kornblum also collaborates with special education attorneys, families, and school staff to provide expert testimony, enhance treatment integrity, and optimize clinical outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Kornblum is licensed to offer telehealth services in Florida, New Jersey, and Michigan. She specializes in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), behavioral parent management training (PMT), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), and applied behavior analysis (ABA). She also provides school and teacher consultations and executive function coaching. Her areas of expertise encompass behavior management, school refusal, social skills development, and the treatment of anxiety and depression. Dr. Kornblum works closely with families to address behavioral challenges related to ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). She takes a collaborative approach to treatment, partnering with parents, caregivers, school teams, and external providers to ensure consistency and the successful application of evidence-based practices. With a commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practices, Dr. Kornblum integrates these principles into all of her clinical work to promote sustainable, positive outcomes. A regular presenter to parents and professionals, she speaks on a variety of topics, including anxiety treatment, ASD, PDA, behavior management, and evidence-based interventions.Dr. Kornblum has been PDA trained through the UK PDA society and has received Level 1 and Level 2 trainings through PDA North America.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
187 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.