It is worth pointing out that while Newson did argue that behavioural based approaches, which would include ABA/ PBS are unsuitable for PDA. It is not the same as saying that she thought ABA/ PBS was unsuitable for autism.
First main point is that Newson considered PDA to NOT be autism and to be clinically distinct from autism, i.e. it is not an autism subtype or an autism subgroup. 
The other key point is that Newson argued that PDA was needed as it has distinct educational approaches and needs from autism. She placed substantial emphasis on this point:
adc.bmj.com/content/archdi…
adc.bmj.com/content/archdi…
"“hanging together as an entity” is not enough if that entity is not significantly different from both autism and Asperger’s syndrome, either separately or apart" Newson et al, 2003, p599.
Newson on how PDA needs to be significantly different to autism.
Newson on how PDA needs to be significantly different to autism.
"Praise, reward, reproof, and punishment ineffective; behavioural approaches fail.
Teachers need great variety of strategies, not rule based: novelty helps.
Indirect instruction helps.
Repetitive questions used for distraction, but may signal panic." p597
Teachers need great variety of strategies, not rule based: novelty helps.
Indirect instruction helps.
Repetitive questions used for distraction, but may signal panic." p597
In the supplementary notes Newson provides 2 sides on educational differences between autism & PDA, makes some observations, such as PDA has higher exclusion rates than autism.
How autistic CYP benefit from structure, routine & rules; contrasts to how PDA requires, almost the opposite approach is mentioned. Worth pointing out that Newson notes the impact a child with PDA can have in a class of autistic pupils.
The apparent educational approaches for PDA vs autism is noted as a reason why it is problematic fitting PDA into the autism spectrum.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13…
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13…
The point about behavioural based approaches on reward and consequences do not work with PDA, while a relationship-based approach (that many autistic persons would advocate today for autistic CYP) is recommended for PDA since 1998 (I think the date is).
So some of you may know that the school Newson clinic is based at, practices PBS. So some argue it is ironic they use PBS when Newson was against such based behavioural approaches.
The problem here is that Newson against the use behavioural approaches for PDA. That Newson thought PDA was clinically distinct from autism, and that PDA is NOT an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Newson seems to be perfectly fine with behavioural approaches used for autism. The different educational approaches between PDA & autism, were an important justification for her, for why PDA is needed.
The crux of Newson's PDA research is that PDA is substantially different to autism (including Asperger's), that PDA is not an autism spectrum disorder. PDA has unique educational needs compared to autism. Therefore PDA needs to be diagnosed for such persons.
I do not want to say it, Newson probably would have been fine with PBS/ ABA being used with autism. Her work suggests she would have objected to PBS/ ABA being used for CYP with PDA instead.
@Georgin24661487
@threadreaderapp Please can you unroll
@threadreaderapp Please can you unroll
I am not saying Newson said PDA was seen in autistic persons. Newson removed persons who showed autism features from her database:
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