Skokie To Host PDA North America Conference In March 2027

SKOKIE, IL — Skokie will host PDA North America’s eighth annual conference on March 4 and 5, 2027, with attendees able to join in person at the Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore or virtually online.

The nonprofit said the two-day event will bring together PDA individuals, families, educators, researchers and clinicians for learning and connection.

According to PDA North America, the conference will explore PDA, which it identifies as Pathological Demand Avoidance and Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, along with approaches to support that respect autonomy and nervous system needs. The organization said PDAers will contribute both professional expertise and lived experience throughout the speaker lineup.

The 2027 program will address parenting, relationships, research, grief, race and intersectionality, PDA awareness and approaches to support.

“For many individuals, attending the PDA North America conference is their first time being in a room with people who understand them,” said Diane Gould, LCSW, founder and executive director of PDA North America. “The conference offers two full days of learning and connection. Relationships are formed, and people leave Friday afternoon feeling less alone.”

Featured speakers include Kory Andreas, LCSW-C; Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC; Lindsay Flanagan, MSW, LCSW; Gould; Melissa McKenzie, Ph.D.; Zach Morris, M.Ed.; Megan Anna Neff, Psy.D.; and Rachael Stern, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW. According to PDA North America, presentations will also explore the overlap of AuDHD, or co-occurring autism and ADHD, with PDA and the development of a positive PDA adult identity.

The organization said both in-person and virtual attendees will be able to ask questions during live presentations, and recordings are included with every ticket. In-person attendees in Skokie will have morning community gatherings, opportunities to connect throughout the event and access to a dedicated sensory room. In-person tickets also include breakfast and lunch each day. Virtual attendees will be able to connect through lunchtime breakout groups.

PDA North America said financial assistance is available for virtual attendance and that no one will be turned away from attending virtually because they cannot afford the ticket price.

Early bird registration runs through Dec. 1, 2026, at $350 for in-person attendance and $275 for virtual attendance. Beginning Dec. 2, rates increase to $400 in person and $325 virtually. Sliding-scale pricing is available for virtual tickets.

Registration, conference details and sponsorship information are available online. PDA North America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving people in the United States and Canada.