Random Facts About Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Pathological demand avoidance is distinct from other avoidance. Autistic people usually have high demand avoidance due to increased anxiety surrounding normal everyday activities. This is not the same as PDA. This is an extreme version of typical demand avoidance.

Pathological demand avoidance is being triggered by any breech of autonomy, regardless of the activity. The demand itself triggers avoidance, rather than anxiety for the activity triggering avoidance.

PDA is much more than just avoiding.. it‘s Procrastination, it‘s negotiation, it‘s manipulation, it‘s distraction, it‘s lying, it‘s re-negotiating, it‘s physical meltdown, it‘s forgetfulness, it’s masking, it’s delaying, it‘s fight or flight..

PDA stands for pathological demand avoidance. In addition to the eponymous demand avoidance, PDA also entails: high anxiety, high control need, intolerance of uncertainty, masking, people focus (may be obsessive), propensity for fantasy & role play, dislike of routine, and disregard for hierarchy and rules.

PDA was classed as a pervasive developmental disorder until the definition of the autism spectrum broedened in 2011 so that PDA fitted beneath the umbrella. Its reclassification as ASD has caused some to assume PDA is any form of autism plus demand avoidance.

PDA is driven by severe anxiety and a need to remain in control.

PDA is not the same as ODD.

What is Pathological Demand Avoidance?

PDA is an autistic spectru condition.

• Uses social strategies to avoid
• Resists/ avoids daily demands of life
• Impulsiveness
• Appears social but lacks understanding
• Anxiety led need to be in control
• Extreme mood swings, often switching suddenly
• Huge difficulties expressing empathy
• Very comfortable in role play & pretend
• Obsessive behavior, often focused on people/ things

„You wouldn‘t throw a non-swimmer into a deep pool of water and expect them to swim, and yet, every day, autistic people are pushed into mainstream society and expected to function normally.“

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