What are demands for kids with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Posted by spectrum
- On November 29, 2023
- 0
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is recognized as a distinct profile of ASD characterized by a pervasive need to avoid demands and a heightened anxiety response. While individuals with autism may also experience difficulties with demands, PDA presents unique challenges.
Demands are not restricted to direct requests or questions, even though direct demands are the most common triggers of anxiety. Direct demands can be instructions like “Start your work now.” or “This is what you are doing today.” But sometimes it can be more subtle like “It’s time for you to start your work now.” “Let’s have a look at this work.” or “You need to complete this work before the end of the lesson.”
Rejections can also cause higher level of anxiety due to high needs for autonomy. It is important to avoid saying “No”, instead giving clear but low demand guidance.
However, there are more types of demands that are not that obvious. Even though not all types of demands are equally triggering, these are the indirect demands that can lead to anxiety:
- Time Pressure: Demands that involve a sense of urgency or time pressure may increase anxiety. Simple actions like tapping the watch can sometimes be triggering for kids with PDA. They may need additional time to process and respond.
- Transitions: Demands related to transitioning from one activity to another can be challenging, Sudden changes in routine or unexpected transitions may provoke anxiety. Sometimes even some common strategies that help with transitioning including timers and visual schedules can trigger some kids.
- Social Demands: Social demands, such as engaging in group activities, making eye contact, or participating in social events, may be anxiety-provoking for children with PDA.
- Expectation/ Praise: Expectations from others can easily increase the anxiety level for kids with PDA. This could easily happen when requesting them to keep trying on challenging tasks, constant encouragement can lead to their avoidance. Similarly, praise carries the implied expectation that the action will be carried out again or improved on next time and may not always achieve the intended positive reinforcement.
- Physical Contact: Demands for physical contact, such as hugs or handshakes, can be distressing for some children with PDA who may have sensory sensitivities.
- Self-imposed or Internal Demands: Perfectionism, time keeping, expectations, sleep, personal hygiene, deadlines etc.