Why Is This Young Person So Hard to Teach? Understanding the Diagnoses PDA, IED, ODD, CD and ASPD’

All Educators, Support Staff and School Leaders

This webinar explores the challenges educators may face when working with students diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), and Conduct Disorder (CD). Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these conditions manifest in the classroom, recognizing traits that may influence learning and behavior. The session provides practical strategies to reduce barriers and create supportive learning environments, while also addressing the potential for co-occurring diagnoses. Through evidence-based insights, educators will be equipped to navigate complex student needs and foster positive engagement in their classrooms.

Aphra had taught Indonesian and Art in P-12 settings for 17 years. Prior to her Master of Teaching (Melbourne University) Aphra was a fine art painter with exhibitions at galleries including 45 Downstairs, Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

As a fluent Indonesian speaker and teacher Aphra values inclusion and diversity in the workplace. She is experienced in organising and leading immersion experiences for Australian students in Indonesia.

In 2024 Aphra completed her Bachelor of Psychological Sciences from Deakin University, and in 2025 completed her Honours in Psychology at Federation University. Her honours thesis focused on the wellbeing of early career female teachers in non metropolitan Victoria.

In 2024 Aphra exhibited paintings along with other art teachers from the Geelong region as part of an art teacher as artist revilatisation project.

Sudah dua puluh tahun Aphra menjadi lancar berbahasa Indonesia. Dia kuliah di Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, Salatiga Indonesia. Aphra menggunakan keahlian bahasa dan budaya Indonesia di tempat pekerjaannya. Dia percaya komunikasi antara bahasa dan budaya adalah keahlian transformatif.

Keep up the fantastic PD opportunities! Very  professional and well-researched workshops and conferences.

Loved the honesty in the sharing of information and strategies

Just a big Thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend the Critical Agenda Workshop yesterday.  David presented a great program, lots of handy strategies and he was very engaging and supportive. Highly recommended.  I was very happy we did not have to do any Role play’s.

The best P.D. I have attended in living memory!” I loved every minute of this engaging, interesting and informative PD. And I have been teaching for 40+ years!

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Inspirational Speakers –  the knowledge gained will be so beneficial in my classrooms

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I love the fantastic variety of workshops and conferences on offer. Always look forward to Critical Agendas PD’s.

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