Professional Support Services
This page offers information on professional support services including occupational therapists, behaviour consultants, and other specialists. Effective support usually involves a holistic approach, drawing on input from multiple professionals to meet each child’s unique needs. It is essential to ensure that any support provider is PDA-affirming.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists (OTs) support children with PDA by helping them manage everyday life with less stress. They can assist with sensory regulation, anxiety management, and developing daily living skills, all in ways that respect your child’s need for autonomy. OTs also work with parents, teachers, and other professionals to create consistent strategies at home and at school, making daily routines and activities more manageable and enjoyable.
Behavioural Based Therapy
Behaviour Consultants (BCs) and Behaviour Interventionists (BIs) can support children with PDA by helping families understand behaviours and create gentle, low-demand strategies that reduce anxiety. Their work should be collaborative and relationship-based, respecting the child’s need for autonomy. It’s important to choose professionals who are PDA-informed and do not use traditional ABA, as compliance-focused approaches can increase distress for PDA children.
Mental Health Therapy
Psychologists and clinical counsellors provide emotional and mental health support for children with a PDA profile. They help children understand and manage anxiety, develop coping strategies, and improve self-regulation and social skills. These professionals offer therapy tailored to the child’s needs, often using collaborative, low-pressure approaches that respect their need for autonomy, helping children feel understood, supported, and more confident in everyday life. Therapies can include anxiety therapy, play therapy, emotional regulation support and more-
Communication Therapy
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) provide therapy that helps children with a PDA profile develop communication skills in ways that reduce stress and support their autonomy. They work on speech, language, social communication, and alternative ways to express needs or emotions. Using low-demand, collaborative strategies, SLPs help children feel understood, build confidence in interacting with others, and develop practical skills for everyday communication at home, school, and in the community.
