Supporting Parents of High Masking Autistic Students (SPA) – PDA Part 1
Invisible Struggles, Real Solutions: Essential Virtual Support for Parents of High-Masking Autistic Students (SPA)
Is your child’s struggle going unnoticed? High-masking autistic students are often misunderstood, overlooked, or ignored in school settings. The Washington Autism Alliance (WAA) offers these monthly virtual parent support sessions to provide a dedicated space for community, resource sharing, and expert educational advocacy tips. We welcome parents/guardians of school-aged high-masking students only.
About This Event – PDA Part 1
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Deep Dive (Part 1): Understand the theorized root causes of demand avoidance/ Pervasive Drive for Autonomy—critical knowledge for shifting away from power struggles and burnout.
Meet Your Facilitator and Staff Liaison
Mash (pronounced Mosh) Makhlyagina is the CEO and founder of Neuro Support Services and a professional education consultant.
As a Ukrainian immigrant, ESOL student, and neurodivergent student, Mash found that school was not made for their brain as a kid, excelling only because of community support. After earning a Masters in Teaching and an ELL certificate, they became a Special Education teacher and coach. Mash is now an openly autistic/ADHD special education educator and advocate who has supported families in over 1000 IEP, 504, and Evaluation meetings across the United States.
Lisa Cushman is the Special Education Coach with the Washington Autism Alliance. She leverages her 25+ years as an educator to advocate for families as they navigate the complexities of neurodiversity and educational systems.
As the mother of a young adult living with autism, she understands that the path to self-determination is unique for every person and believes that individualized autonomy is essential for everyone.
Session Details:
- Date: December 14, 2026
- Cost: $25 per session. Your investment covers access to a specialized, unrecorded, confidential space with an expert advocate.
- Registration Deadline: Registration closes 4 days prior to the session date.
- Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Important Eligibility Note: Participation in all SPA events is designed specifically for, and limited exclusively to, current, full-time residents of Washington State or families who will be moving to Washington State within the next thirty days.
