PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)
Information about PDA - the term, its definition and resources for practitioners.
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is widely understood to be a profile on the autism spectrum. However, the term itself is not without criticism - some use the term Extreme Demand Avoidance (EDA) as an alternative. The National Autistic Society note that the label is controversial, is not recognised clinically and is contested within the autism community.
The PDA Society - the only specialist PDA charity in the UK note that the understanding of PDA is also still evolving.
The PDA Society's definition is as follows:
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is widely understood to be a profile on the autism spectrum, though we are still at an early stage in our understanding and PDA research is in its infancy.
Whilst autism is a widely recognised term, our understanding of the full breadth and complexity of the autism spectrum is still evolving.
A PDA profile of autism means that individuals share autistic characteristics …
- currently defined as “persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction” and “restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, activities or interests” present since early childhood to the extent that these “limit and impair everyday functioning” (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-5))
- often including a different sensory experience in relation to sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing, vestibular, proprioception and interoception.
… and in addition:
- have a need for control which is often anxiety related
- are driven to avoid everyday demands and expectations (including things that they want to do or enjoy) to an extreme extent
- tend to use approaches that are ‘social in nature’ in order to avoid demands
- present with many of the ‘key features’ of PDA rather than just one or two
- tend not to respond to conventional parenting, teaching or support approaches
Image by Itzel Ameyelli.
Resources
UMHAN members have recommended the following as useful sources of information and support when working with students with PDA:
PDA Society
PANDA approaches. The PDA Panda symbolises the need to tailor the environment to meet needs and the P-A-N-D-A mnemonic is a simple reminder of helpful approaches:
Pick battles
Anxiety management
Negotiation and collaboration
Disguise and manage demands
Adaptation.
The PDA Society also has an extensive Resources page which lists books, groups, research and videos.
National Autistic Society
The NAS have some in-depth PDA information and resources including support strategies. At the bottom of their page is an extensive list of academic journal articles about PDA.
Lived experience
Trauma Geek: Janae Elisabeth's blog about her experiences an autistic person. She recently wrote about her understanding and experience of PDA - PDA: Navigating Threats to Autonomy from Inside and Outside
See also Steph's two girls, a UK based mum who writes about her family's experiences of PDA.
The PDA Society has a collection of lived experience blogs including many from adults.
