For parents of neurodivergent children with PDA, school days can feel overwhelming and full of challenges. In this post, we share the story of our child’s school trip, showing how he thrived in an outdoor environment despite daily demands. Readers will discover the power of forest schools, learn practical strategies for supporting children with PDA, and explore how environments like those in Norway’s schooling system can unlock resilience, confidence, and natural strengths. This post is a guide and inspiration for creating learning experiences that celebrate your child’s abilities rather than focusing on compliance.
Every school day can feel like a negotiation for my neurodivergent child, who has Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Even simple requests—lining up, following instructions, or participating in class activities—can spark anxiety and resistance. As a parent, it can be exhausting trying to balance encouragement with understanding, all while ensuring he feels safe and supported.
Recently, we had an experience that reminded me just how resilient and capable he really is. On a school trip, surrounded by nature and far from the usual classroom structure, he was given the freedom to explore, learn, and engage in ways that felt natural to him. Watching him navigate the activities—confident, curious, and fully present—was a powerful reminder that the right environment can unlock strengths that might otherwise remain hidden. It was a day that celebrated his abilities, not the demands placed on him, and showed me the incredible potential of outdoor, experiential learning for children like him.
The School Trip That Showed His Resilience
I have to admit, I was nervous beforehand. School trips can be challenging for children with PDA: new environments, groups of peers, and structured activities can feel overwhelming. But from the moment he stepped into the woodland setting, something shifted.
He participated in exploring trails, balancing along logs, and discovering wildlife. Tasks that often feel impossible in a classroom became exciting challenges. His engagement wasn’t forced—it came naturally. The environment allowed him to take the lead in small ways, make choices about what to do, and engage socially on his own terms.
It was remarkable to hear the accounts of the trip. Every step, every small success, was a reminder of his resilience, adaptability, and unique strengths.
Why Outdoor Learning Works for PDA Children
This experience reinforced the value of outdoor and experiential education. Forest schools and nature-based learning environments offer a world of benefits, especially for children with PDA:
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Reduced demand pressure: Activities are often voluntary and child-led, allowing children to feel in control.
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Sensory engagement: The sights, sounds, and textures of nature stimulate the senses and can help regulate emotions.
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Collaboration without rigidity: Small group work in open spaces encourages teamwork without the strict rules of classrooms.
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Confidence and independence: Hands-on tasks foster problem-solving, creativity, and self-esteem.
By giving children autonomy and a supportive environment, outdoor learning taps into their natural curiosity and abilities, rather than forcing compliance with rigid expectations.
Lessons from Norway’s Outdoor Education Approach
Countries like Norway have integrated outdoor education into their core schooling system. Children spend significant portions of their school day outdoors, regardless of weather, learning through exploration and play.
Key aspects of the Norwegian approach include:
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Child-led learning: Students choose how to engage, fostering independence and intrinsic motivation.
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Prioritising wellbeing: Emotional regulation and resilience are valued as much as academic progress.
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Connection to nature: Regular outdoor activity supports mental and physical health, encouraging curiosity and creativity.
Our school trip gave a small glimpse of why this system works so well for neurodivergent learners. By reducing the pressure of traditional demands, children are able to show their true capabilities.
Celebrating Strengths Over Compliance
Watching my child excel in the outdoor environment was a reminder that success isn’t always about meeting external expectations. For children with PDA, thriving often comes from having choice, autonomy, and the freedom to engage in ways that make sense to them.
As parents and educators, we can support children by focusing less on rigid demands and more on creating environments that allow them to shine. Nature, hands-on learning, and flexible approaches unlock potential, build resilience, and foster joy.
Final Thoughts
Our school trip experience was more than just a day out—it was a lesson in seeing abilities instead of limitations. For parents of PDA or neurodivergent children, it’s a reminder that the right environment, patience, and understanding can reveal remarkable strengths.
Forest schools, outdoor education, and approaches like Norway’s emphasise autonomy, wellbeing, and connection with nature. They show that learning can be joyful, exploratory, and empowering. And sometimes, all it takes is stepping outside to discover what your child is truly capable of.