ABA Therapy
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? It is a pattern where everyday demands trigger intense anxiety and a strong need to avoid or resist. It is most often discussed as a profile seen in some autistic people, not a separate diagnosis.
In our sessions, https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zdkn3qtthat look like refusal but come with panic signs like shutdown, tears, bolting, or explosive reactions when a demand feels unavoidable.
Key traits commonly described:
- Extreme demand avoidance, even for preferred activities
- Anxiety and need for control
- Social strategies to delay or deflect demands
- Big mood swings when pressure rises
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? It is also important to know that major manuals like DSM-5 and ICD-11 do not list PDA as its own diagnosis, and research quality is still limited.
If What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? matches what you see at home or school, call Epic Minds Therapy. We can map triggers, reduce demand pressure safely, and build a practical plan.
FAQ
Is PDA an official diagnosis?
No. It is not listed as a separate diagnosis in DSM-5 or ICD-11.
Is PDA the same as oppositional behavior?
Sources describe PDA as anxiety-driven demand avoidance, not simple defiance.
Why do people link PDA and autism?
It is commonly described as a profile seen in some autistic people.
Sources
- https://childmind.org/article/pathological-demand-avoidance-in-kids/
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zdkn3qt
- https://reframingautism.org.au/all-about-autistic-shutdown-guide-for-allies/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24291-diagnostic-and-statistical-manual-dsm-5
- https://icd.who.int/en/
