Learn about the signs of PDA, how it develops, and how to support someone who experiences PDA.
When Does Demand Avoidance Become Pathological?
Since that time, PDD has been reconceptualized as part of theautism spectrum.
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Adam Lodestoneshared his experience growing up with misunderstood PDA traits.
It gives me courage to listen to my instincts because sometimes I am right.
It allows me to understand why someone else may be pressing back hard on me.
We broke into an abandoned building to play with the equipment left behind.
We replaced the school office waiting room magazines with inappropriate materials.
The Impact of Pathological Demand Avoidance
PDA can create challenges that interfere with functioning.
PDA can also impact learning.
I also attended school for the bare minimum of required instructional hours and missed a lot of educational time.
Elizabeth shared, Let me go.
Let me fizzle out or amp up or do my own thing.
And don’t take it personally; assume the best intentions, and I’ll often prove you right.
In fact, shaming people with PDA and trying to force them to comply can often backfire.
2014;55(7):758-768. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12149
Butler, Emily.Reframing PDA: The power of an autistic perspective.
2020;10(1):39-52. doi:10.1177/2043610619890070
