Access Our Five-Part Masterclass Series: Exploring Autistic Experiences Through PDA and Non- PDA Lenses with Kristy Forbes & Kieran Rose

Catch up on Our Five-Part Masterclass Series:
Exploring Autistic Experiences Through PDA and Non-PDA Lenses
with Kristy Forbes & Kieran Rose

Unlock a deeper understanding of autistic experiences with our masterclass series. Kristy Forbes and Kieran Rose offer personal insights into PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and non-PDA perspectives as they come together for this five-part series.

You will have lifetime access to each masterclass recording—perfect if you want to rewatch at your own pace.

Learn more about Kieran Rose here.

Select the masterclass that interests you most, or purchase the full series for a comprehensive dive into autistic communication and experiences.

• Certificate of completion provided following each Masterclass 
• Session length: 60-90 minutes including question time afterwards
• Included: Lifetime access to recording of sessions
• All Masterclasses are captioned and transcribed

Masterclass One
Autistic Communication: Comparing PDA and Non-PDA Experiences

In this first part of our five-part series, Kristy Forbes and Kieran Rose explore the complexities of autistic communication through their unique perspectives as PDA and non-PDA autistics. 

We will dive into the autism criteria related to communication and social reciprocity, offering a neuroaffirming understanding of how autistics connect with the world. 

Expect an in-depth discussion on communication differences, as well as how Kristy and Kieran’s experiences differ in terms of social interaction and building relationships.

This session reframes communication differences as valuable expressions of neurodivergence rather than impairments.

Masterclass Two
Autistic Social Connection: PDA vs. Non-PDA Experiences

Building on our conversation about communication, this masterclass focuses on the autism criteria surrounding social understanding and relationships.

Kristy and Kieran will contrast how they experience social dynamics as PDA and non-PDA autistics. They’ll discuss the importance of boundaries, navigating friendships, and how their social needs and capacities vary in different contexts.

This session highlights the diversity of autistic social interactions, offering a neuroaffirming perspective on building authentic relationships.

Masterclass Three
Sensory Processing in Autism:
Contrasting PDA and Non-PDA Perspectives

In part three, we dive into the sensory world of autism. Sensory processing is a key aspect of the autism criteria, and Kristy and Kieran will share how they experience and regulate sensory input differently as PDA and non-PDA autistics.

From hypersensitivity to sensory seeking, this session will explore the profound impact sensory differences have on daily life. Whether it’s sound, light, texture, or movement, they’ll discuss tools and strategies for sensory regulation, while reframing sensory needs as essential parts of autistic identity.

Masterclass Four
Routines and Control: PDA and Non-PDA Approaches to Autonomy

This masterclass tackles the autism criteria relating to routines, flexibility, and autonomy. Autistic people often seek comfort in routines, but for PDA individuals like Kristy, the relationship with control and structure can be complex.

Kristy and Kieran will compare their differing experiences with routines—what feels comforting versus what feels restrictive—and discuss the importance of autonomy for both PDA and non-PDA autistics.

This session highlights how understanding these dynamics can lead to more equitable and supportive environments.

Masterclass Five
Autistic Interests and Passions: PDA and Non-PDA Perspectives

In our final session, Kristy and Kieran delve into the autism criteria related to interests, focus, and passions.

Both PDA and non-PDA autistics often have deep interests that fuel joy, creativity, and a sense of purpose, but the way these interests are experienced and expressed can differ significantly. Kristy and Kieran will explore how their passions shape their lives, how they maintain balance, and how to support autistic individuals in their pursuit of interests.

This masterclass celebrates autistic joy, emphasizing the richness and depth that special interests bring to life.