What Is PDA Support?

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) support is specialized care for individuals who experience an overwhelming need to avoid everyday demands and expectations, often as a result of anxiety about loss of control.

PDA is increasingly recognized as part of the autism spectrum and requires unique, flexible approaches that work with rather than against this neurological difference.

At IMPACT, we understand that PDA is not defiance or naughtiness—it's a genuine neurological difference that requires accommodating approaches. Our support focuses on reducing anxiety, building autonomy, and creating collaborative relationships that honor the individual's need for control and choice.

KEY BENEFITS

Who Can Benefit from PDA Support?

PDA support can help individuals and families navigate the complex challenges of demand avoidance. You may benefit from PDA support at IMPACT if:

We support individuals across the lifespan who experience PDA, as well as their families and caregivers.

You or your child avoid everyday demands and expectations, even enjoyable ones

Traditional behavioral approaches or consequences seem to make things worse

You experience high anxiety around loss of control or autonomy

You mask demand avoidance in some settings but struggle intensely at home

You're often misunderstood as being defiant, oppositional, or manipulative

You need creative, flexible approaches rather than rigid expectations

Your family is struggling with daily routines and typical parenting strategies

IMPACT's Approach
to PDA Support

At IMPACT, we provide PDA-informed care that recognizes the underlying anxiety and need for autonomy that drives demand avoidance. Our approach is collaborative, flexible, and focused on reducing anxiety while building genuine cooperation.

Our approach emphasizes building positive relationships and reducing anxiety rather than forcing compliance.

We draw on approaches including:

PDA-Informed Therapy: Using low-demand approaches that reduce anxiety and build trust
Collaborative Problem-Solving: Working with individuals to find mutually acceptable solutions
Anxiety Reduction Techniques: Addressing the underlying anxiety that fuels demand avoidance
Family Coaching: Teaching caregivers PDA-informed approaches that reduce conflict
Environmental Modifications: Creating low-demand environments that support success

Key Benefits of PDA Support at IMPACT

Support helps families move from "Why won't they just do what they're asked?" to "How can we work together in ways that honor everyone's needs?"

Understanding of PDA as a neurological difference, not a behavioral choice

Reduced anxiety and increased cooperation through flexible approaches

Creative strategies for managing necessary demands and expectations

Improved family relationships and reduced daily conflict

Validation and support for both individuals and families

Development of genuine self-advocacy and decision-making skills

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PDA PROFILE

Discover approaches that work for you.

Our assessment and support process focuses on understanding your unique PDA presentation and developing individualized strategies that reduce anxiety and increase cooperation.

LEARN ABOUT PDA ASSESSMENTS

Frequently Asked Questions

No. PDA is driven by anxiety and a genuine need for autonomy, not willful defiance. Traditional behavioral approaches often increase rather than decrease demand avoidance.
Yes. Many adults recognize PDA patterns in themselves, often after their children are identified. PDA support can be helpful across the lifespan.
PDA is increasingly recognized as part of the autism spectrum, but it has unique characteristics, including the pervasive avoidance of demands and the use of social strategies to avoid compliance.
PDA-informed approaches emphasize collaboration, choice, flexibility, and reducing demands rather than using traditional consequences or rewards systems.
We can provide consultation and training to help schools understand PDA and implement supportive approaches that reduce anxiety and increase engagement.