Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)/P-D-A/
A contested profile of autism describing extreme avoidance of everyday demands, often linked to anxiety and a strong need for autonomy.
Andy says:
When demands feel like alarms, invitations and choices work better than pressure.
Detailed Explanation
Many describe persistent avoidance when requests feel threatening to autonomy or when uncertainty is high. Behaviors can look oppositional, but a needs‑based lens highlights anxiety, sensory load, and control needs. Supports focus on collaboration, predictability, and consent.
Community Context
The term is used in the UK and online communities but remains debated in research and services. Many prefer neutral, needs‑based language (autonomy‑supportive approaches) over pathologizing labels.
Quick Tips
- Offer choices with rationale; invite rather than demand
- Lower uncertainty; give warm‑ups for transitions
- Co‑create goals and opt‑out plans
Do / Don't
- Do: collaborate; validate autonomy; chunk tasks
- Don't: escalate control or power struggles
Scripts (Examples)
- "Would you like A or B to start? We can pause after 10 minutes."
- "Here’s the why—how shall we make it work for you?"
Scientific Context
Evidence is mixed; overlaps exist with anxiety and executive differences. Autonomy‑supportive strategies show promise.
Language Notes
Use with care and context; needs‑based framing avoids stigma.
Related Terms
Demand Avoidance (contextualized)
Strong avoidance of demands, often increasing with perceived loss of autonomy, novelty, or uncertainty.
Co-regulation
Supporting someone’s nervous system to calm or activate through shared cues: steady presence, tone, breath, and environment.
Accommodations
Changes to the environment, tools, timing, or expectations that remove barriers so a person can participate on an equal basis.
Masking
Consciously or unconsciously hiding one's neurodivergent traits to fit in with neurotypical expectations.
Sources
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