Pathological Demand Avoidance(PDA) How to manage daily living
- Mable Green
- Sep 21
- 4 min read
Pathological Demand Avoidance(PDA). How to manage daily living with a child experiencing high levels of anxiety and demand avoidance. PDA is associated with Autisum.
How Pathological Demand Avoidance(PDA) presents
Pathological Demand Avoidance of Everyday Demands
Individuals with Pathological Demand Avoidance will go to great lengths to avoid demands or expectations, including everyday activities and social requests. This avoidance is not simply a matter of preference or opposition but is driven by an overwhelming need to stay in control and manage anxiety.
Social Strategies for Pathological Demand Avoidance
They often use social strategies to avoid demands, such as making excuses, distracting others, negotiating, or using charm and humour.
Intense Emotional Responses of Pathological Demand Avoidance
Individuals may exhibit extreme emotional responses when demands are placed upon them, including meltdowns or shutdowns. This is often due to the high levels of anxiety and distress that demands provoke.
Obsessive Behaviour for Pathological Demand Avoidance
While obsessive interests are common in autism, individuals with PDA may show obsessive behaviour that is particularly focused on people and social relationships.
Surface Sociability
Individuals may appear sociable and engaging on the surface, but they struggle with deeper social interactions and understanding social norms.
Role Play and Pretend Play
Many enjoy role-playing and pretend play, which can be a way to avoid demands by escaping into fantasy.
Resistance to Ordinary Controls
Typical methods of managing behaviour, such as rewards and consequences, are often ineffective because these can be perceived as demands and trigger avoidance.
Mood Swings and Impulsivity
Individuals with PDA can exhibit rapid mood changes and impulsive behaviours, often in response to perceived demands or loss of control.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)is not yet universally recognised
PDA is increasingly acknowledged within the autism community and by professionals as a distinct profile. Understanding and supporting individuals with PDA requires a nuanced approach that emphasises reducing anxiety and using indirect methods to encourage participation and engagement.
How you can support a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance
The Family Experience of PDA: An Illustrated Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance Paperback – Illustrated, 18 Nov. 2021
Click above to buy on Amazon.
Eliza Fricker gets it. Describing her perfectly imperfect experience of raising a PDA child, with societal judgements and internal pressures, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, resentful and alone. This book's comedic illustrations explain these challenging situations and feelings in a way that words simply cannot, and will bring some much-needed levity back into PDA parenting.
Managing Pathological Demand Avoidance(PDA)
This involves strategies focusing on reducing anxiety, maintaining a flexible and supportive environment, and using indirect approaches to encourage participation. Here are some effective strategies:
Build Trust and Relationships
Positive Relationships: Establish trust and a positive relationship with the individual. Being empathetic and understanding their perspective is crucial.
Consistent and Predictable Environment: Create a consistent and predictable environment to reduce anxiety. However, be flexible enough to adapt to the child's needs.
Reduce Demands and Anxiety
Choice and Control: Offer choices and allow the individual to have some control over their activities. This can help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed by demands.
Indirect Requests: Use indirect requests or suggestions rather than direct demands. For example, saying, "I wonder if it would help to..." instead of "You need to..."
Disguised Demands: Incorporate demands into games or activities that the individual enjoys. This makes demands less apparent and more palatable.
Collaborative Approaches
Involve the Individual: Involve the individual in planning and decision-making. This can increase their sense of control and reduce resistance.
Problem-Solving Together: Work together to solve problems and find acceptable solutions for both parties.
Adapt Communication
Positive Language: Use positive language and frame requests to emphasise the activity's benefits or fun aspects.
Humour and Creativity: Using humour and creativity is less threatening, making requests more engaging.
Structured Flexibility
Routine with Flexibility: Maintain a routine but allow for flexibility within that structure. This provides a sense of security while accommodating the need for control.
Gradual Introduction of Demands: Introduce demands gradually and in small, manageable steps to prevent overwhelming the individual.
Support Emotional Regulation
Emotional Support: Support emotional regulation through strategies like deep breathing, sensory breaks, or calming activities.
Recognise Triggers: Identify and recognise triggers for anxiety or avoidance behaviours and work to minimise or manage these triggers.
Educational and Therapeutic Support
Tailored Educational Approaches: Use individualised educational approaches that consider cognitive-behavioural, the individual's unique needs and strengths.
Therapeutic Interventions: Engage in therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored for individuals with autism and PDA, focusing on managing anxiety and developing coping strategies.
Parental and Caregiver Support
Training and Education: Provide training and education for parents and caregivers to understand PDA and effective management strategies.
Support Networks: Encourage the development of support networks for sharing experiences, resources, and emotional support.
Focus on Strengths and Interests
Strength-Based Approach: Emphasise the individual's strengths and interests to build confidence and motivation.
Incorporate Interests: Use the individual's interests to engage them in activities and learning opportunities.
Managing Pathological Demand Avoidance(PDA)
This requires a compassionate, flexible, and individualised approach that respects the person's unique needs while providing the necessary support to navigate daily demands.
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