Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) S7E21

The Autism Dad

In this episode, Rob Gorski is joined by Amber Arrington from Autism Savvy. They delve into the topic of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), an often misunderstood profile within the autism spectrum. Amber shares her personal experiences as a mother of three autistic children, including a daughter who exhibits PDA traits. The discussion covers the challenges of navigating PDA, strategies for support, and the importance of educating both parents and educators.

Takeaways

• Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is a profile of autism that is not officially recognized in the United States but is more widely recognized in the UK and Australia.
• Children with PDA exhibit a persistent drive for autonomy and have strong reactions to perceived demands, often responding with resistance or refusal.
• Parents of children with PDA face challenges in navigating educational settings and advocating for accommodations.
• Learning and understanding PDA can help parents develop strategies to support their children and create a more inclusive environment.

Guest Bio:

Amber Arrington is the founder of Autism Savvy, where she supports parents navigating new autism diagnoses for their children. With over 20 years of experience and as a mother of three autistic children, Amber offers a unique perspective on the challenges and strategies involved in raising autistic kids. Her work focuses on empowering parents with knowledge and resources, especially in the critical early stages of diagnosis.

Connect with Amber at https://autismsavvy.com

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years.

Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link

Mentioned in this episode:

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