ON-DEMAND: Introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance: Exploring Demand Avoidant Behaviors, and Strategies and Supports for the Autistic Community

Pathological demand avoidance (PDA), (also known as rational demand avoidance, extreme demand avoidance, and persistent drive for autonomy) refers to the avoidance of everyday demands driven by anxiety and a need for autonomy. PDA is widely known as a profile on the autism spectrum in the United Kingdom and other countries. The United States is beginning to explore PDA and its application to autism. PDA remains an under-researched area and understanding of PDA characteristics is in its infancy. As a result, PDA remains a controversial topic in the field of autism. Despite the need for further research, many autistic individuals identify as PDAer’s and find the characteristics of PDA to fit the struggles they experience. Although PDA is not clinically recognized by the IDC or the DSM, a demand-avoidant profile or a PDA profile may be noted in an autism diagnosis. Therefore, an understanding of demand avoidant behaviors and strategies for supporting these behaviors is beneficial to autistics, their allies, and those supporting the autistic community.

Through PowerPoint lectures, videos, and quotes from those with lived experience, this webinar will explore the core characteristics of PDA, what constitutes a demand, and the socially based approaches used to avoid everyday demands. This webinar will briefly touch on the history and the current criticism of PDA. Participants will leave with an understanding of the R. U. S.A.F.E acronym and helpful strategies for supporting demand-avoidant behaviors.