Treatment Options for PDA

Most behavioral plans backfire. Here’s what to do instead.

This comprehensive fact sheet outlines evidence-informed, neurodivergence-affirming treatment options for children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) — a profile on the autism spectrum marked by intense anxiety around everyday demands, and a high need for autonomy.

If you’ve tried structure, consequences, behavior charts, or even gentle goal-setting — and found the child withdrawing, exploding, or refusing everything — this guide will help you rethink your framework.

Designed for clinicians, school-based therapists, counselors, and support professionals, it offers practical, low-arousal alternatives grounded in real-world experience and trauma-informed care. It also supports pre-verbal and nonverbal PDA presentations.

Inside This Free Download:

  • An overview of effective PDA treatment models including:

    • Low Arousal Approach

    • Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)

    • ACT-informed strategies

  • Alternatives to traditional behavior plans, CBT, or directive therapy

  • Support adaptations for nonverbal and pre-verbal PDA presentations

  • Common treatment pitfalls — and why they escalate avoidance

  • How to involve families without reinforcing pressure, shame, or compliance-based dynamics

  • Practical tools for crisis intervention, sensory support, and co-regulation

  • Guidance on diagnostic ambiguity, documentation challenges, and how to spot PDA traits in clinical settings

Who This Is For:

  • Licensed therapists, psychologists, counselors, and clinicians

  • Allied health professionals (SLPs, OTs, PTs, behavior consultants)

  • School-based mental health teams and IEP support providers

  • Advanced parents working with professionals and seeking aligned treatment models

  • Any professional frustrated by traditional strategies that aren’t working

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why PDA is not ODD, not typical ADHD, and not “just” defiance

  • How to support demand-avoidant clients without increasing stress or compliance pressure

  • How to create therapeutic spaces that feel safe, collaborative, and choice-based

  • What family therapy, sensory support, and emotional regulation must look like for this neurotype

  • How to measure success without focusing on behavior change

Topics Covered:

  • Diagnostic & documentation considerations

  • Therapy modifications for nonverbal clients

  • Medication insight (when appropriate)

  • Crisis management strategies

  • Sensory-informed therapy models

  • Working with families who expect more structure

  • How to avoid re-traumatizing children with exposure or behaviorist methods

This resource won’t tell you how to get compliance. It will show you how to create safety, reduce shutdowns, and support progress through trust.

📥 Download this resource if:

  • You’re supporting a child who resists everything — even the things they like

  • You’ve tried behavior plans and nothing is working

  • The child’s avoidance feels deeper than defiance, and you’re not sure how to proceed

  • You’re seeking calm, collaborative ways to help a family in crisis

  • You want to align your work with neurodivergent-affirming, low-demand practices

  • You need language to advocate for appropriate supports within a team or system