Diane Gould Therapy
We specialize in PDA and other complex neurodivergent profiles.
We specialize in PDA and other complex neurodivergent profiles.
In the 4th grade, I read a book about Jane Addams and decided to become a social worker. During my 20s, I attended the Jane Addams School of Social Work to pursue my master’s degree after obtaining an undergraduate in behavioral psychology. In addition to helping others, human behavior was always interesting to me. Since graduating college, I have focused my career on serving vulnerable children and adults, and struggling families. Over the last 40-plus years, I have worked in schools and social service agencies before starting a full-time private practice 14 years ago.
I have focused on working with autistic and other neurodivergent individuals for most of my career. In April 2024 at the age of 65 I was diagnosed as autistic. My interest in autism and trauma led me to specialize in the complex PDA (pathological demand avoidance/persistent drive for autonomy) profile of autism. This also led me to create the first PDA North America Conference in 2020 and forming a non-profit for PDA North America in January of 2023.
To be honest, I found parenting challenging. It was the best and most difficult experience of my life. Too few people feel permitted to talk about this. I don’t know how anyone parents a complicated kid without support. I strive to be that helpful, nonjudgmental professional in the lives of families. I have had the good fortune of supporting some families for decades and through the ups and downs of life. I am so fortunate to have been allowed into the lives of so many wonderful people.
At this point in my career, I hope to pass on what I have learned through training and consultation to individuals, schools, and other systems. My clients have been the best teachers. I provide direct service through parent consultations and friendship/relationship development programs. In everything I do, I believe in looking beneath the surface and partnering to find the answers.
Sara O’Keefe, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker based in Deerfield, Illinois, with a focus on supporting neurodivergent teens and young adults since 2017. She offers personalized individual sessions designed to build confidence, strengthen communication, and support the development of meaningful relationships.
Sara incorporates the PEERS® social skills program into her work and adapts it to each person’s pace and learning style. Her sessions can serve as preparation for PEERS® – informed group by building foundational strategies and comfort, or they can be offered as a longer-term, individualized approach for those who prefer or benefit from one-on-one support.
In addition to social and communication support, Sara helps clients navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood, building real-world skills such as decision-making, planning, and increasing independence.
With a warm, client-centered style, Sara provides both in-person and virtual sessions to offer flexible, accessible care for those navigating life’s social, emotional, and practical challenges.
Contact Sara to schedule an information session and learn more about personalized support.
Although Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) has been a recognized autistic profile in the UK for some time, awareness is still growing in America. When parents first learn about it they talk about having a lightbulb moment of understanding their child better. Many described how, having found traditional parenting and behavioral techniques made things worse instead of better, they felt judged and alone. Teachers and school administrators also reported struggling to support their PDA students. The children, teens and young adults themselves were often left feeling misunderstood.
In our book we explain PDA with an emphasis on promoting well-being both for PDA individuals and all those who support them. It provides a neurodiversity-affirming framework for supporting anxious, demand avoidant individuals across a range of settings and services. As awareness spreads across the pond, we hope the compassion and clarity in this book will become a valuable guide to many.
Get your copy here. Or contact your local bookstore to order it!
Consultation services can be arranged for virtual or in person.
PEERS programs are in-person only.
If you are interested in having me speak at your event/on your podcast, you can download my media sheet here.
400 Lake Cook Road, Suite 112 • Deerfield, Illinois 60015 • Phone: 847.917.5385
