The PDA Summit Is Here!

The global PDA Summit is coming in July 2026.

Imagine 8 world-class speakers and 1 informative global event. The PDA Summit is here!

The Summit, hosted by Autism Parenting Magazine, is a free virtual event on July 29th.

PDA experts, advocates, and speakers with lived experience will cover the topics relating to PDA that matter most to neurodivergent families.

Speakers at the Autism Parenting Summit

The lineup includes renowned PDA experts Dr. Destiny Huff, Diane Gould, Sally Canadine, and Dr. Theresa Kidd.

We will also hear from Sally Cat, a trusted voice among adults with lived PDA experience, as well as autism advocates, parents, and authors Matt Palfrey, Andrea Grant, and Steph Curtis.

During this day filled with presentations and interviews, these PDA experts and advocates will cover practical, neuroaffirming approaches to understanding and supporting children, teens, and adults with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

These speakers will cover topics such as:

• Building safety and connection
• Parenting strategies
• Lived experiences
• Helping PDAers thrive, and
• Many more informative topics!

“Over the years, we’ve heard from thousands of parents who feel overwhelmed, confused, and often isolated when trying to support a child with a PDA profile,” says Mark Blakey, Founder of Autism Parenting Magazine. “PDA is still widely misunderstood, and many families are searching for practical, compassionate, and neuroaffirming guidance that actually reflects their day-to-day reality.

“That’s why we decided to create a dedicated one-day PDA Summit. We wanted to bring together leading experts, advocates, parents, and people with lived experience in one focused, accessible event, so families could get a clear, practical starting point without feeling overwhelmed.

“Our goal is to help parents better understand PDA, reduce conflict and stress at home, and build stronger connections with their children. By making the event free to attend, we hope to reach as many families and professionals as possible around the world.”

Autism Parenting Magazine Editor Sharon Longo agrees with Blakey. “We are very proud of the wealth of information we offer. In this one-day virtual PDA Summit, our parents, caregivers, and professionals can find the support and understanding they need about a topic that isn’t always readily discussed.”

Blakey adds, “All our videos are free for 24 hours after their release. We encourage parents and professionals in the autism field to visit the website as soon as possible to get their free pass and reserve their places.

The PDA Summit is sponsored by Autism Learning Network (ALN), a trusted resource providing expert guidance, practical tools, and community support for parents, caregivers, and educators supporting neurodivergent children.

Get your free Summit pass today

You can find the full line-up and schedule on the Summit website, as well as information on how to make the most of the PDA Summit and implement the many parenting strategies you’ll learn.