The Neurodivergent Woman

Pathological Demand Avoidance

Nov 7, 2022

Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance in neurodivergent individuals, discussing factors contributing to demand avoidance, stress responses, and practical tips for minimizing its impact. Gender differences in PDA diagnosis and the importance of understanding individual demands and emotional regulation.

01:06:41

Creator website

Episode guests

Raelene Dundon

Kirsty Forbes

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

PDA is a behavior profile within autism characterized by extreme resistance to demands and a need for control.

Reconceptualizing PDA as 'rational demand avoidance' challenges the pathologizing nature and focuses on autistic experiences.

Managing demand avoidance involves identifying triggers, regulating emotions, and aligning demands with individual priorities.

Deep dives

1. Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) was first conceptualized in 1983 by Elizabeth Newson and is characterized by extreme resistance to life's demands, driven by a need for control over one's environment. PDA is recognized as a behavior profile within autism, although not officially in diagnostic manuals. It's gaining recognition, particularly in the UK, for describing specific behaviors and experiences.

Introduction

2min

Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

21min

Navigating Teenage Autonomy

12min

Gender Disparity in PDA Identification within Autism Spectrum

2min

Exploring Gender Expectations and PDA Diagnosis in Girls

2min

Understanding Demand Avoidance Behavior in Individuals

26min

Prioritizing Individual Demands and Emotional Regulation for Managing Demand Avoidance

3min

On this week’s episode we discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance, or PDA. We explore what PDA is, including the history of this construct, and the positives and negatives of the PDA concept. We cover what factors can contribute to demand avoidance amongst neurodivergent people, including personal, neurobiological, cultural, and social factors, and chat though how our stress response plays into demand avoidance, and what you can do to lessen the impact of demand avoidance on your life (or how you can support your child with this).

For more information on Pathological Demand Avoidance check out:

Kirsty Forbes (https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/)
Raelene Dundon, who has authored ‘PDA in the Therapy Room – A clinician’s guide to working with children with Pathological Demand Avoidance’.

Email us your questions for our Q&A episode by November 7th!

Visit our websites to attend upcoming client and professional development webinars:

Michelle's website: https://www.michellelivock.com/

Monique's website: http://moniquemitchelson.com.au/

We are on Patreon! Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod

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The Neurodivergent Woman

Pathological Demand Avoidance

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

1. Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

2. Critical Examination of the PDA Label

3. Factors Contributing to Demand Avoidance

4. Managing Demand Avoidance: Strategies and Coping Mechanisms

5. Reexamining Compliance and Social Expectations

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts