Pace Psychology Service

15/02/2026

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Why does a simple request like brushing teeth or turning off a device lead to tears, anger or a complete shutdown?

For some autistic children and young people, everyday demands can trigger intense anxiety. Pathological Demand Avoidance - PDA - is not about bad behaviour or poor parenting. It is about feeling overwhelmed, unsafe and out of control. The more pressure a child feels, the stronger the need to avoid.

When adults understand that behaviour is anxiety driven, everything changes. Lowering pressure. Offering real choices. Staying calm. Building trust before trying to correct. These small shifts can reduce conflict at home and school and protect a child’s emotional wellbeing.

If you support a child or teenager with PDA, this is a conversation worth having.

Like the photo and comment "PDA" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

11/02/2026

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You can get your ticket to our next parent carer course through the PDA Training Hub. These sessions will be during the day for those who couldn't make our most recent evening course: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/product/pda-for-parents-and-carers-march-16th-23rd/

This is a safe space to learn about parenting a PDAer and to network with other parents in the chat. You don't have to participate or have your screens on, and you'll get sent a recording after the event.

03/02/2026

29/01/2026

29/01/2026

We’re nearly ready to welcome clients to our Dapto office next Monday! It’s looking great 🤩🌼

26/01/2026

If you need an after-school psychology appointment in Dapto, please get in touch on 0431 405 885 or book via our website www.pacepsychologyservice.com.au

24/01/2026

NEW MUSIC BASED GROUP PROGRAM FOR KIDS AGES 9+

SHELLHARBOUR

Pace Psychology Service is launching a small group program that helps children build emotional regulation, confidence, and social connection through playing music in a band!

Sessions are co-facilitated by a registered psychologist and a professional music teacher from Illawarra Drum and Music Academy. Children learn drums, guitar, and bass in a relaxed setting while developing real life coping and social skills.

Program focus

• Emotional regulation

• Confidence and self expression

• Social connection in a low pressure environment

Group details

Ages 9 years and over

Small groups of 3 to 6 children

Shellharbour area

No music experience required

Funding

Psychology component may be NDIS funded for eligible participants

Music component privately billed

Clear guidance provided on fees and funding

Limited places available.

Enquiries

0431 405 885

Www.pacepsychologyservice.com.au

23/01/2026

What happens when we shift the goal from compliance to wellbeing?

When we stop asking,
“Are they behaving?”
and start asking,
“Are they okay?”

everything changes.

Meltdowns become signals.
Avoidance becomes communication.
Support replaces punishment.
Connection replaces control.

Because the goal isn’t just a child who follows the rules.
It’s a child who feels safe, understood, and able to cope 💛

21/01/2026

When psychologists talk about “regulation,” we’re not talking about being calm all the time.

Regulation is the ability to move through stress and return to balance — not to avoid stress altogether.
Everyone becomes dysregulated. What matters is how supported the nervous system is to recover.

A few gentle ways to support regulation:
• Slow the body first (feet on the floor, a long exhale)
• Reduce demands during moments of overwhelm
• Add predictability where possible (knowing what comes next helps the brain settle)
• Use connection before correction — calm is often borrowed from others
• Remember: progress is returning to balance faster, not never struggling

Regulation isn’t a personality trait — it’s a skill that can be supported and strengthened over time 💚