Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile within the autism spectrum that is characterised by the overwhelming need to avoid the demands of everyday life due to high anxiety. As such, some people prefer to refer to PDA as Persistent Drive for Autonomy.
Over recent years PDA has become more recognised and understood by professionals and clinicians within the autism community. While many strides have been made, it’s important to note that health professionals cannot formally diagnose PDA in Australia until the profile is recognised in the global DSM-5 Diagnostic Manual. However, a PDA-aware child psychologist can help you with assessment, profiling and ongoing support.
Along with avoidance and resistance to everyday tasks, other signs of PDA can include behavioural outbursts, intense mood swings, impulsivity, coordination difficulties and language delays. What makes PDA more complex is that children who are presenting with PDA don’t typically respond to the mainstream strategies used to support autistic children such as visual aids and positive reinforcement. In some cases, these strategies can cause even more stress for the child as they can be perceived as demands.
That’s why it’s so important for parents and carers to find the right support services that understand PDA and the needs of your child and family. While PDA resources are still developing here in WA, Kiind has created this guide to help families find support that’s available to you now. Keep reading to find out more.
1. Helpful Information and Resources
When you google PDA, you’ll be met with lots of psychology studies and clinical jargon. We know this can feel very overwhelming for parents and carers who simply want to know what PDA means for their child and family. So, we’ve tracked down some useful resources that can help explain.
A Brief History of Pathological Demand Avoidance is a helpful article written by Kiind Peer Navigator, Sharon Morris for Autism Awareness Australia. For parent and carers, this is a great starting point to understand the distinct characteristics of PDA.
You may also like share it with your child’s school, services providers or other family members to help raise awareness.
While based in the UK, the PDA Society is one of the leading global organisations dedicated to the understanding and advocacy of PDA. They have been at the forefront of promoting PDA as a distinct profile within the autism spectrum. Visit their website to find information on the latest research and support tools that may be relevant to your child and family.
2. PDA Training Australia
To learn practical strategies on supporting PDA, you can look at the workshops and resources by PDA Training Australia, founded by Kiind member, Heidi Brandis who has been an influential advocate for the recognition of PDA in Australia.
Their training and resources can help parents and carers advocate for their child’s needs in different settings. For example, if your child is experiencing challenges at school, you may like to speak to their teacher and share with them this resource on how they can understand PDA and adapt their communication to better support your child.
The PDA Training Australia website is coming soon, so in the meantime you can follow their Facebook page to keep up to with their latest informational opportunities, including the Inaugural PDA Conference Australia.
3. Perth Kids Hub
Perth Kids Hub is an online directory that features paediatricians, therapists and other health professionals who have current availability. To make it easier for parents and carers to find tailored supports, you can search the directory to find services based on your child’s current needs including PDA.
Click here to see the list of services with have experience in PDA.
4. Peer Support Groups
Raising a child with a PDA profile can sometimes feel isolating. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and there’s a welcoming community of other parents and carers experiencing the same joys and challenges.
To start accessing this community, join the Kiind Families Facebook Network. While our main Facebook group, Kiind Families, is for all Kiind members who are raising a child with disability and not just PDA, you can still find a wealth of understanding and knowledge. Use the search bar to find existing discussions related to PDA or feel free to ask your own questions to the group.
Click here to join Kiind Families.
To make valuable connections in the PDA parenting community, you can join the PDA Perth WA Parents Community and Support Page on Facebook. Run by parents who have lived experience raising a child with PDA, here you’ll find practical guidance and emotional support in a non-judgemental space.
These supports and resources are a useful starting point for parents and carers who are navigating raising a child with PDA. As more resources for PDA families become available in WA, we will be keeping our members updated with the latest information and opportunities, so make sure you’re subscribed to our What’s on activity and event guide.
The Kiind Peer Navigators are here for you. If at any point on your PDA journey, you feel like you need some support or guidance, you’re welcome to book a free Pathway Planning session with us.
