
590- Don't Tell Me What to Do: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in Neurodivergent Kids
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Jan 13, 2026 Diane Gold, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of PDA North America, dives into the intriguing world of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in children. She discusses how PDA manifests through extreme sensitivity to demands and the common misdiagnoses associated with it. Diane shares impactful strategies for parents, highlights the overlap between PDA and ADHD, and emphasizes the importance of understanding kids' fluctuating capacities. With insights into neurodiversity and effective support approaches, this conversation unveils a compassionate perspective on parenting neurodivergent kids.
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Origins And Meaning Of PDA
- PDA was identified as a distinct profile because some autistic children couldn't help avoiding everyday tasks.
- Elizabeth Newson named it 'pathological' to highlight lack of control, not willful defiance.
How PDA North America Began
- Diane Gold started PDA North America after a persistent parent pushed for awareness and training.
- Their first conference in March 2020 launched the organization despite the pandemic's start.
PDA Prevalence Is Unclear
- Prevalence estimates are uncertain and likely undercount PDA due to mis- and under-diagnosis.
- A UK study suggested ~25% of autistic people fit PDA, but Diane Gold warns that number is a rough guess.





