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Pathological Demand Avoidance

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): Understanding and Support

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile often associated with autism, where individuals experience extreme anxiety when faced with everyday demands.

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What may look like defiance is actually a stress response — a way to cope with overwhelming pressure.

What is PDA?

Teenagers with PDA may:

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  • Refuse or avoid demands to an extreme extent

  • Go into “shutdown” mode when tasks feel overwhelming

  • Say things like, “I can’t do that; my body won’t let me”

  • Struggle with cooperation if they feel pressured or controlled

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These behaviours are not deliberate disobedience but a response to high anxiety. Recognising this is essential for providing the right support.

Harnessing Strengths in PDA

Despite the challenges, many people with PDA have remarkable strengths, including:

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  • Exceptional problem-solving skills

  • Creativity and innovative thinking

  • Strong passions and deep focus on interests

  • Ability to build meaningful relationships when trust is established

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When nurtured, these strengths can help individuals thrive in school, relationships, and future careers.

PDA and Daily Life

Living with PDA requires flexibility and understanding from families, schools, and peers.

 

Common strategies that make a difference include:

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  • Empowering individuals by giving them control over choices and routines

  • Reducing pressure and avoiding direct confrontation

  • Building trust to encourage cooperation

  • Using interests as a motivator for engagement

  • Staying calm and avoiding power struggles

PDA and Schools

Educational settings play a vital role in supporting students with PDA.

 

Helpful strategies include:

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  • Flexible learning approaches tailored to the individual

  • Reduced pressure during stressful times, such as exams

  • Incorporating student interests into lessons

  • Creating safe, supportive spaces that minimise anxiety

Support for PDA

At Neurodiversity Support UK, we work with families and schools to:

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  • Identify signs of PDA through pre-assessments

  • Provide strategies to reduce anxiety and increase cooperation

  • Build resilience and self-confidence in teenagers with PDA

PDA Brain

Start your journey with us today

✨ PDA may create unique challenges, but with empathy and the right strategies, young people can learn to manage anxiety and harness their strengths.

Get in Touch

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