Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is an autistic profile characterised by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands and expectations, driven by anxiety and a heightened sensitivity to loss of autonomy. PDA isn’t about defiance. It’s about threat perception. When a demand feels like loss of control, even neutral language can land as pressure. Sometimes it isn’t the task that escalates things — it’s the wording. A small shift in language can be the difference between cooperation and crisis. The g

Have you heard of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? It’s a profile associated with extreme anxiety around everyday demands—and it can make parenting incredibly challenging. In this new CreatingaFamily.org podcast, Dr. Cynthia Martin, a clinical psychologist trained in pediatric neuropsychology, shares what PDA looks like and practical strategies to support your child while reducing stress at home. 🎙️ https://ow.ly/p5HS50Y7LCF #adoption #fostercare #kinshipcare | Creating a Family

How can I support my PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) child or teen to stay regulated? 🧐 Experiment with the 4 S’s: 👉Screens 👉Safe Nervous System (yours) 👉Special Interest 👉Sensory intense experience, dopamine or novelty This is the framework I use to think through unsctructured time with my PDA son and has helped 100s of parents think through everything from long weekends with their PDA child to beginning #unschooling after school refusal. I hope it serves you ❤️ . . . #pathologicaldema