what is pda

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a pattern of behavior in which individuals, most often those with autism spectrum disorder, go to extremes to ignore or avoid anything they perceive as a demand. PDA is a proposed disorder and sub-type of autism spectrum disorder, defined by characteristics such as a greater than typical refusal to comply with requests or expectations and extreme efforts to avoid social demands. PDA is a developmental disorder that is distinct from autism but falls under the spectrum. It is a pervasive developmental disorder that affects all areas of development and was first identified by Elizabeth Newson in 2003. The core features of PDA include resisting ordinary demands, obsessive behavior, and extreme levels of anxiety associated with a loss of control. People with PDA tend to have an adverse reaction to being told how to behave or what to do, even when it’s something that’s an ordinary part of their daily life, and even when it would benefit them. It’s called pathological when the avoidance is extreme and interferes with functioning at home or at school.