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May 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes Budgets, Elections, PDA, AFRID, Sensory Nature Trail, FCASD Summer Survival Kit

  • PALS
  • May 22
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jun 12

PALS Meeting Minutes

May 21, 2025 9:30 a.m.

Virtual Meeting using Zoom


Open Forum

Open Forum is an opportunity for participants to come together and discuss a variety of topics, offer resources, and ask questions related to special education.


Cyber School Funding Under Attack

The group discussed concerns about proposed state funding reductions for cyber schools, which would severely impact budgets and limit educational options for students who excel in atypical educational settings. A parent shared her experience with cyber school, highlighting its flexibility and effectiveness for her high schooler, who struggled to have her I.E.P. accommodations met in a traditional school setting and thrives with the cyber school's asynchronous learning model.

The $8.2 billion education funding proposal sets a flat cyber tuition rate of $8,000 per student annually, capping the cost districts have to pay for students in their area to attend independent public cyber schools.
Cyber tuition for special education students could still exceed that rate, according to Emily Roderick, Shapiro’s director of press operations.
Currently, annual cyber school tuition rates across the state range from about $7,600 per student to nearly $29,000 per student, Roderick said. – Quincey Reese reporting for TribLive

Read more:



Homeschooling in Pennsylvania

While discussing the changes in cyber school funding, we touched on homeschooling requirements in Pennsylvania, specifically that even homeschooled children must provide vaccination records to the school district due to state reporting requirements.


Talking PDA

Last month we discussed PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and how it affects a child's (and family's) entire life. In school it can affect a student's ability to complete schoolwork in traditional settings. This month we touched on how it can affect a child's ability to participate in things at home, like meal choices and chores. But before discussing these things, one parent shared the importance of changing the negative connotations of the name, "Pathological Demand Avoidance". Suggesting that it should be replaced with a name that fits the reality; Profound Need for Autonomy, or, in the same line of thinking, Pervasive Desire for Autonomy, and Persistent Drive for Autonomy with all referring to,

an intense desire to have control over one's own life, choices, and actions, feeling in the driver's seat rather than feeling controlled by external forces. It's a fundamental psychological need that, when unmet, can lead to anxiety, resistance, and even mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. 
This shift in perspective moves us away from a focus on "defiance" and towards a deeper understanding of the underlying need for control and the associated anxiety. It allows us to approach these individuals with compassion and empathy, fostering a growth mindset that opens doors to effective support.
If you're a parent or caregiver of someone with a pervasive desire for autonomy, remember that their behavior isn't about being difficult or defiant. It's a reflection of a deeper need for autonomy. By understanding this, you can approach them with empathy and work collaboratively to find solutions that respect their need for autonomy while also setting healthy boundaries.
By readjusting "pathological demand avoidance" as a "pervasive desire for autonomy" and utilizing the Circle of Control framework, we can unlock a deeper understanding of this complex experience. This empowers us to provide more effective support, fostering growth and well-being for those who struggle with this need for control. – Jessica Coleman

Here is a great video to help teach kids about The Circle of Control and how to use it in every day life.

If you have local therapeutic resources for PDA please share them with us at palsfcinfo@gmail.com and we will include them here and on the Resources page.


Read more:


ARFID

As we discussed PDA, an example was given, where a parent had prepared a favored meal for a child with PDA. The child expressed how it wasn't the meal they wanted, refusing to eat it, while also making clear what they did want to eat in that moment. We discussed taking the time to give choices to reduce the likelihood of a similar scenario in the future, e.g. "Can I make you noodles or soup for dinner tonight?" Doing so, gives control to the child.


This led us to the topic of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), an eating disorder characterized by significantly limiting the amount and/or type of food consumed. ARFID can stem from various factors, including: 


  • Anxiety Disorders: Individuals with pre-existing anxiety disorders may be more susceptible to developing ARFID, as anxiety can manifest as fear and avoidance related to food or eating.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD can lead to rigid eating rituals and a strong desire for control, which can contribute to restrictive eating patterns seen in ARFID.

  • Sensory Sensitivities: Individuals highly sensitive to food textures, tastes, smells, or appearance may develop ARFID as a way to avoid unpleasant sensory experiences.

  • Fear of Aversive Consequences: Traumatic experiences with food, like choking, vomiting, or severe allergic reactions, can lead to ARFID as individuals develop a fear of these experiences and restrict food intake to avoid them. 

  • Traumatic Experiences: Trauma related to food, such as choking, being force-fed, or food insecurity, can trigger ARFID in susceptible individuals.

  • Exposure to Restrictive Eating: Growing up in an environment where restrictive eating or dieting is prevalent may influence food beliefs and behaviors, increasing the risk of ARFID. 

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & ADHD: These neurodevelopmental conditions are frequently observed alongside ARFID.

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Individuals with GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis, or food allergies may develop feeding problems that can evolve into ARFID. 

  • Lack of interest in eating or food: Simply not feeling hungry or perceiving eating as a chore. 



Outdoor Discovery Space and Sensory Nature Trail at the Frick Environmental Center

The Outdoor Discovery Space and Sensory Nature Trail at the Frick Environmental Center space provides an accessible area for everyone to enjoy Frick Park. We encourage you to use this space to observe local nature, be curious, and have fun. The Frick Environmental Center hosts a collection of exploration backpacks, assistive resources and sensory kits that visitors can borrow to enhance their comfort and visitor experience in Frick Park. The Lending Library is free to all park users.

Summer Survival Kit for FCASD Families


Meeting Topic Survey

Take our suvery and help shape upcoming PALS meetings by sharing what topics you would like to learn more about. *Your email and/or Google account information ARE NOT collected in the process of completing this survey.

Next Meeting: June 25, 2025 9:30 a.m. Virtual Meeting using Zoom.

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