The Testing Psychologist Podcast 521. Pathological Demand Avoidance w/ Dr. Donna Henderson
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Aug 30, 2025 
Dr. Donna Henderson, a clinical neuropsychologist with over 30 years of experience, dives into the intriguing concept of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile emerging primarily from the UK. She explains the core behaviors like intense demand avoidance and social strategies that PDAers use to feel in control. Donna emphasizes the distinct traits of PDA, including mood instability and the importance of proper assessment strategies. The discussion also highlights the neurodevelopmental aspects of PDA and offers practical recommendations for parents navigating this complex landscape.
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Case That Sparked Interest In PDA
- Donna recalls a seven-year-old, "Jack," who was charming but exploded when asked to do small tasks and needed to be in charge.
- Jack's testing sabotage and classroom aggression led Donna to discover the PDA concept that fit his profile.
PDA As An Autism-Linked Profile
- PDA is described as a profile, not a formal diagnosis, often viewed as a subtype of autism.
- The distinguishing feature is an unusually strong drive for autonomy rather than ordinary avoidance.
Demand Sensitivity Is About Perceived Threat
- Core PDA features include resisting ordinary demands and reacting even to trivial or implied requests.
- Internal or self-imposed demands can also trigger avoidance, explaining inconsistent engagement with interests.
