​PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance, a profile of autism where everyday demands trigger high anxiety and a need to resist, escape, or regain control.

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Common signs of PDA include:

• Extreme anxiety around ordinary requests or routines

• Using humour, distraction, or refusal to avoid tasks

• Meltdowns, shutdowns, or panic when pressured

• High need for control in relationships and environments

• Appearing sociable, but struggling with unpredictability or demands

• Often labelled as “manipulative” or “oppositional” (but they’re not)

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It’s not about being lazy or defiant, it’s about survival.

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PDA Is a Demand Response, Not a Behaviour Problem

​PDAers often experience all demands, even fun ones, as pressure. Things like:

• “Get dressed.”

• “Brush your teeth.”

• “Come eat lunch.”

• “Say thank you.”

• “Have fun with your friends.”

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These can feel like threats to autonomy or safety, especially if the person is already emotionally overloaded. Demands trigger anxiety → anxiety triggers avoidance → avoidance looks like defiance. But it’s really just self-protection.