By: Yiing Tan, Registered Psychologist PDA, or Pathological Demand Avoidance, is a profile often associated with autism that is characterized by an intense need for autonomy and a strong resistance to everyday demands. While the name remains debated, many people within the neurodivergent community describe PDA as a nervous system response rather than oppositional behavior. … Read more
By Emma Spencer, Clinical Psychologist Incorporating the Low Demand Approach to Therapy into everyday clinical practice can transform how we work with neurodivergent clients, especially those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). This framework reduces pressure and creates an environment where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to engage in therapy at their own pace. Here’s … Read more
By Emma Spencer, Clinical Psychologist Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum characterised by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands, where overwhelming anxiety is triggered when the individual’s nervous system perceives a threat to their autonomy. PDA clients often experience anxiety as they feel threatened by external demands—whether it’s being asked … Read more
