The term PDA, which stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance was coined by British psychologist Elizabeth Newson in the 1980s. She first used the term in a published research paper in 2003.
PDA is a behavioral phenotype of Autism Spectrum Disorder that’s characterized by an intense need to avoid demands.
More specifically: PDA is a condition where people have an obsessive need to resist or avoid everyday demands and requests. People with PDA may use a variety of strategies to avoid demands, such as distraction, procrastination, or socially shocking behavior.
PDA is not exclusive to autistic people, but it’s most commonly associated with Autism.
In Autism, PDA presents as an extreme resistance to everyday demands. PDA is often driven by anxiety and the fear of losing control. People with PDA may have a fight, flight, or freeze reaction when faced with demands that challenge their independence. PDA may cause procrastination, difficulties following routines, and strong emotional reactions to seemingly simple requests
If you are an Autistic individual with PDA you may utilize various strategies including distraction, negotiation, excuses, or even meltdowns to avoid doing what is asked, even if you are capable of the task.
PDA may appear as a strong need for control and a dislike of feeling pressured.
There are eight key characteristics of PDA in Autism.
Extreme demand avoidance
Extreme demand avoidance is a strong aversion to any perceived demands, including simple requests like getting dressed, brushing teeth, or completing household chores.
Surface sociability
Autistics with PDA may appear very friendly and engaging in social situations. but are actively avoiding underlying demands through charming or manipulative behavior.
Control-seeking behavior
Autistics with PDA may exhibit a strong need to be in control of situations and resist any attempts to direct them.
Distraction Techniques
Using clever tactics like changing the topic, making excuses, or causing disruptions to avoid complying with requests is another tactic that may be used by Autistics with PDA.
Role-Playing and Fantasy
Many Autistics with PDA may engage in elaborate pretend play or withdraw into fantasy worlds to escape demands.
Meltdowns and Anxiety
When experiencing PDA. Autistics can experience intense emotional outbursts or shutdowns when faced with perceived pressure or demands.
Impulsivity
Autistics with PDA may react suddenly and/or unexpectedly to perceived demands.
Negotiation and Manipulation
Autistics with PDA may become skilled at using persuasive tactics to avoid doing what is ask
Remember. any Autistic person with PDA may not exhibit all eight key characteristics
It is important to know that While exact figures are difficult to pinpoint due to limited research, studies suggest that PDA is considered a minority presentation within the autistic population, with estimates indicating that around one in five autistic individuals may exhibit significant PDA characteristics in childhood, though this prevalence might decrease in adulthood as diagnostic criteria may not fully apply in later life.
Also, PDA is often misdiagnosed as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) due to the outward resistance to demands, leading to inappropriate responses.
