What is PDA?
PDA is a common term these days that I’m hearing in many of my social circles and a lot in my practice. It isn’t new, in fact the term was coined by Elizabeth Newson a British Developmental Psychologist in the 1980s. In the past few years, social media has certainly contributed to the widespread understanding of the term, but I also believe that listening to autistic people and valuing the lived experience have given the term momentum.
PDA or Persistent Drive for Autonomy is a profile of autism (aka Pathological Demand Avoidance). This means some autistic people also have a PDA profile. It is a survival drive for autonomy that can often override other survival needs (i.e. food, water, etc.). The expectation sends the nervous system into fight, flight, or freeze. The reaction can seem extreme to a neurotypical person. For example, the feeling of hunger (demand) may yield the child incapable of eating. What many don’t realize is demands are cumulative.
PDA is not currently a diagnosis in the United States despite the growing awareness around the profile and PDAers speaking up about how it impacts them. If you believe your child has PDA, there are a few things to know:
It is thought to be profile of autism. At this time, it is not recognized as a part of other diagnoses, say ADHD.
Demand avoidance is considered a natural part of life and certainly childhood. A typically developing young child may be headstrong and not follow your demands because they have their own [better!] ideas.
Additionally, If your child is avoidant of demands, there may be another explanation. For example, children who are anxious want control and can dig their heals in to get control. They often have a threat response to commands. Those who have ADHD may look like they are avoiding demands because they miss the demand due to distractibility or difficulty concentrating.
So what exactly is PDA? The PDA society UK identifies the following characteristics:
a. Resists and avoids the ordinary demands of life
b. Uses social strategies as part of the avoidance
c. Appears sociable on the surface, but lacking depth in understanding
d. Experiences excessive mood swings and impulsivity
e. ‘Obsessive’ behaviour, often focused on other people
f. Appears comfortable in role play and pretend, sometimes to an extreme extent (this feature is not always present)
For more information, go to https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/.
If you have additional questions or want to have your child evaluated, contact us!
