It's Not Defiance: Understanding and Supporting Children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, but it’s a pattern of behavior seen in some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ADHD. Kids with PDA often appear “defiant,” but this behavior usually comes from anxiety, stress, and feeling out of control.