About the Course
This focused course will help you support demand avoidant learners with more confidence, less stress, and a deeper understanding of what’s really going on when they say no. Whether you’re completely new to demand avoidance or looking to strengthen your current approach, you’ll find practical ideas you can use straight away.
Together, we’ll explore how to reduce pressure without compromising learning, how to communicate in ways that calm rather than escalate, and how to co-regulate effectively while still maintaining gentle boundaries. You’ll also learn how to spot the early signs of rising anxiety, reduce masking and shutdowns, and build a culture where even the most avoidant learners can feel safe enough to try.
Each lesson includes a short video, detailed Companion Notes, a downloadable resource, and reflection prompts to help you embed what you’ve learned in your own setting. Whether or not a child has a formal PDA profile, these strategies are designed to help you build trust, reduce resistance, and create a classroom where learning feels possible - not pressured.
Course Curriculum
Your Instructor
Dr Pooky Knightsmith
I’m proudly autistic, with a PhD in Psychological Medicine from the Institute of Psychiatry, and a parent to neurodivergent children. My work blends lived experience, academic research, and practical strategies to support educators in creating truly inclusive environments where all learners can thrive.
Everything I teach is grounded in both evidence and empathy. I know what it feels like to be the neurodivergent child in the classroom — and the parent trying to help them navigate a world that often doesn’t fit. That understanding shapes every course I create.
When I’m not writing or training, I find calm and clarity through adventures in nature on the back of a tandem with my partner. It reminds me that meaningful progress doesn’t have to be fast or flashy - just steady, supported, and shared.
You can find more about my work at www.pookyknightsmith.com.
