When a child refuses everything (even things they love) it’s easy to assume they’re being difficult. But what if that resistance is driven by anxiety, not attitude?
This printable fact sheet offers a clear, grounded introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a lesser-known profile on the autism spectrum that is often misdiagnosed or misunderstood.
Whether you’re a therapist, teacher, or parent trying to make sense of extreme behavior that doesn’t respond to typical strategies, this guide was created to offer calm, non-clinical clarity — especially when a child seems fine in one setting and explosive in another.
Inside This Download:
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A plain-language explanation of what PDA is — and isn’t
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How PDA differs from ODD, ADHD, and typical defiance
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Key diagnostic considerations (even without formal recognition in the DSM or ICD)
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What to notice when children refuse demands, avoid expectations, or even resist their own desires
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Real-world signs, patterns, and survival strategies used by PDA individuals
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Clear, concise answers to common questions from therapists, caregivers, and support teams
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A breakdown of why traditional behavioral approaches often backfire
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Introduction to more effective, low-demand, collaborative strategies
Who This Is For:
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Therapists and counselors unfamiliar with PDA or seeking a reference they can share with parents
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Teachers, aides, and school staff navigating students who resist even positive reinforcement
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Parents and grandparents wondering why nothing works, even when they’ve tried every tip, chart, and reward
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Diagnosticians or allied professionals looking to differentiate PDA from ODD, ADHD, and anxiety
Why This Sheet Matters:
In the absence of a clear diagnosis, support teams often reach for behavior plans that don’t help — and sometimes make things worse. Children with PDA often mask at school, then melt down at home, leaving parents blamed and exhausted. This guide helps you shift the conversation from “how do we make them comply?” to “how can we reduce threat and build connection?”
What You’ll Learn:
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How PDA children process everyday demands as neurological threats, not choices
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Why they might refuse even things they love
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The difference between avoidance as survival vs defiance as opposition
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What to look for in assessment, observation, and developmental history
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How to support these children without increasing their anxiety or resistance
Includes Sections On:
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Key behavioral markers and diagnostic red flags
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Detailed differential diagnosis comparisons (PDA vs ADHD, ODD, Anxiety)
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Common myths and misunderstandings that derail treatment
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Real-world strategies for therapy, education, and home
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What documentation should include when PDA is suspected
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Why so many families are left feeling like they’re “doing everything wrong”
Important Note:
PDA is not yet recognized as a standalone diagnosis in most clinical systems (including the DSM-5). However, it is increasingly accepted as a distinct profile within autism — particularly in the UK. This sheet provides a functional, compassionate framework for understanding the presentation and offering support, even in the absence of formal diagnosis.
Download This Sheet If:
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You need a clear, respectful explanation of PDA to share with teams or families
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You work with a child who melts down after small requests or routines
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You’ve tried traditional methods — and they made things worse
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You believe “can’t” is being mistaken for “won’t”
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You want to advocate for a misunderstood child, but don’t yet have the words