“I will not research a made up condition!” How many times have we heard this?
Last month McFly drummer Harry Judd’s wife Izzy Johnston revealed in several publications that one of their three children has pathological demand avoidance (PDA). Following this there were many comments on social media (as there always are), from those giving support and sharing similar experiences to those who outrightly refused to believe that such a difference exists (I don’t like the word ‘disorder’ even though this is the more clinical term).
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), is a profile recognised on the autism spectrum, first identified in the 1980s by Professor Elizabeth Newson. Unlike typical defiance, PDA is characterised by an overwhelming, anxiety-driven need to evade demands and maintain control. While it is now considered part of the autistic spectrum, individuals with PDA often exhibit stronger social and communication skills than others on the spectrum which is likely to have led to PDA sitting on the sidelines for so long limiting the awareness for those affected by it.
1. Obsessively resisting demands
Individuals with PDA experience significant pressure from daily expectations. Their avoidance strategies can include distraction, fantasy, excuses, or even physical resistance (e.g., claiming “my legs don’t work”). If they feel cornered, they may have panic attacks or display aggressive outbursts.
2. Appearing sociable but are really masking and sheilding
While individuals with PDA may seem empathetic and socially adept, they often struggle to apply social rules to themselves, resulting in difficulties with peers or only superficial success in adult work situations.
3. Excessive mood swings
Emotional states can fluctuate dramatically, frequently triggered by perceived demands. Role-playing is common and can escalate to an intense level where some children lose touch with reality.
4. Language delay from passivity
Individuals may experience early language delays followed by sudden breakthroughs in communication. While their speech may become more fluent compared to other autism profiles, they might still demonstrate literal interpretations and selective mutism.
5. Obsessive Behaviour
Obsessions in individuals with PDA are often centred around people rather than objects, and these fixations can become intense and problematic.
Final Thoughts
The symptoms of PDA can vary significantly among individuals, with many parents describing their child as a “Jekyll and Hyde” character. Early diagnosis and personalized support can lead to markedly improved outcomes. Though PDA is often misdiagnosed as conduct disorder, awareness and recognition of this profile are increasing.
For those that do not believe in PDA, it is a difference, or co-occurring condition often found in, but not limited to, autistic individuals.
There is a specific criteria for diagnoses and it is not a label, nor is it an excuse. Autism is not an excuse so why should this be.
Aspergers took around 50 years to get into the medical books then in 2013 it became ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). I don’t blame anyone for not fully understanding all of these discoveries, they do keep changing the names after all, but these differences are very real and like with any disability, disorder or difference it is important to find out all of the information rather than default to judgement…unfortunately there will always be people on social media who react and repel rather than respond.
More information will be coming soon about the areas of the brain involved in the behaviour of PDA.
Sources: PDA Society
Image by Pablo chaves from Pixabay – more information can be found here.
