Those of us in the field of PDA will be only too familiar with Elizabeth Newson’s seminal work. As I re-draft chapter 1 – which focusses on the contribution she made to the field, I wanted to share my thoughts about this remarkable woman.
Elizabeth Newson worked for many years alongside her husband John. Together they established the influential research and assessment Unit at Nottingham University, which was the foundation place for her research into Autism and later PDA.
When she was promoted to a Chair in Developmental Psychology at Nottingham University in 1994, she chose to give her inaugural lecture on her work in the then emerging field of PDA.
What made Elizabeth Newson unique was that she challenged the orthodoxy of her profession by emphasising the importance of observing children at play and of involving parents in assessments of their behaviour.
Her methods, which stemmed from her passionate belief in the value of parental partnership and a holistic approach to diagnosis and intervention, eventually became accepted practice.
One of Newson’s strongest beliefs about her work was that it should “make sense”. Many parents would attest to her astute observations and genuine personal commitment – as well as the accuracy of the clinical descriptions that helped them make sense of their child’s behaviour.
Early on in my professional career I recognised Elizabeth Newson as a figure whom I would seek to emulate and aspire towards in all aspects of my professional practice. In the late 1980s I was fortunate enough to meet her when she accepted my invitation to speak to a group of parents of children with Autism at a meeting I convened in Milton Keynes, where I was a Teacher at The Walnuts School. She was just so knowledgeable, thoughtful, forthright, and clearly evoked consummate professionalism in the diligent and conscientious way she approached her observations, assessments and diagnostic work with children. From then on she became my hero, and remains so to this day.
So the obvious starting point for my work in PDA, which began in about 2008 was to develop familiarity with Elizabeth Newson’s work. Throughout the next decade or so I relied heavily on her ways of working when I conducted diagnostic assessments of children with suspected PDA in their homes, and when possible educational setting too. I also relied on her diagnostic criteria – which I have since evolved and refined slightly- to underpin my observations and to inform my diagnostic work.
In Chapter 1 of my book, I have focussed heavily on reviewing Elizabeth Newson’s contribution to the field of PDA. In order to do this, I have revisited all her original papers and have applied my analytical skills to reflect on what she contributed, and equally importantly what she overlooked – or perhaps did not realize the significance of at the time. As the saying goes ‘hindsight is a wonderful thing’.
Some of those areas which, as far as I can determine, have not yet received a great deal of attention as important factors and facets of a PDA presentation include
- The role of the development of the self, and self-identity, particularly learner self in PDA youngsters
- The importance of neurological difficulties which Newson alluded to but did not expand on. Nowadays we might see this as the role of sensory processing
These areas – and several others- are ones which I am currently writing about as I draft, and re-draft the chapters of New Insights into Pathological Demand Avoidance.
This led me to ponder the work of the Elizabeth Newson Centre. What is happening there these days? Very little it seems. The ENC is no longer accepting referrals for any diagnostic work. Exactly why this is so, I can’t ascertain. This is inexplicable given the prominence of the ENC and its vital role in offering diagnostic assessments for many many years. How can such a position happen? If anyone can offer any information I’d be glad to hear. I have emailed and requested an update but have heard nothing back. So is the ENC largely defunct now? It sadly appears so.
And what of all the very experienced Psychologists who worked there in its heyday to conduct so many PDA diagnostic assessments? Where are they now, and what work are they doing in the field of PDA these days?
Well, Phil (Christie) now works independently as a Member of the Autism Associates team, together with Ruth Fidler.
Two experienced Educational Psychologists who were at the ENC, and were key members of the assessment and diagnostic team there have both left. Pat Smith is now an independent Ed Psych in Sheffield, and Sally Kane, as far as I can ascertain, is an EP on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.
With me taking a sabbatical from clinical assessment practice to write my book, where does that leave parents, – and indeed other organisations and groups who are in need of a PDA assessment and diagnostic service?
I still receive numerous emails from parents who, whilst accepting that I am not offering a clinical assessment service at present, nevertheless need a really experienced Educational Psychologist to assess their child and provide a clear professional opinion not only about the presence of a PDA profile, but also a clear opinion about the educational provision their child needs.
And to that enquiry I have to sadly say I’m sorry I just don’t know of anyone who can help. If you know of, or have used the services of, a knowledgeable EP who really understands PDA, then please PLEASE let me know.
And another thing…
Before I close, it occurred to me that there must be hundreds of case records and files relating to the children and young people who were assessed at the ENC over the decades of its operation. Those files will be like treasure trove for all the detailed information they contain. And who is storing them? Accessing them? Making use of them for a great big longitudinal retrospective study on PDA over the years? Have they been destroyed even?
Answers on a postcard. PLEASE!
I really do not want Elizabeth Newson’s work and professional life to have been in vain, and for all her knowledge to be forgotten and shelved. Or worse still destroyed. That’s one of the reasons why I am writing the book – and offering my own new insights into PDA. Like another Elizabeth, her legacy must live on through her professionalism, qualities and values.
Dr Hilary Dyer
9th September 2022