Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile of autism. People with the PDA profile share one main characteristic; their avoidance of the everyday demands made by other people, due to their high anxiety levels when they feel that they are not in control. Often children with PDA are more social and make eye contact so it can be harder to spot and they can be good at masking their difficulties. It is important to understand as some of the strategies used for Autistic children may not work with children with PDA. Unfortunately PDA is not diagnosed in Dorset, unlike some other areas of the country, because it is not listed in the DSM-5 Diagnostic manual. It will likely be diagnosed as autism with a demand avoidant profile. The Dorset Parent Carer Council are currently working in partnership with parties in Dorset to produce a position statement on PDA for Dorset.
https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
https://www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/p/what-is-pda-pathological-demand.html
