Introduction to the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Profile in Autism/ADHD

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Target Audience

Social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, educators, school personnel, mental health professionals, clinicians, health and human service practitioners, and other health care professionals.

Description

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a term used to describe a profile within the autism spectrum characterized by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands and requests. It's not officially recognized as a separate diagnosis in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases), but it's often discussed within the context of autism spectrum disorder. It's important to note that PDA is a controversial concept and not universally accepted by all professionals in the field. Some argue that the behaviors associated with PDA can be explained by existing diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, while others believe that PDA represents a distinct profile within the spectrum that requires different approaches to support and intervention. This profile is rarely if ever addressed in academic or clinical training programs or settings geared toward behavioral health practitioners. Thus, many practitioners are unaware that they are likely encountering clients struggling to live in the world with PDA frequently.

This training will provide behavioral health practitioners and clinicians with advanced level information about this lesser known but highly important autistic/ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent identity called PDA – known as Pathological Demand Avoidance in the United Kingdom but often referred to as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy by those in the neurodivergent community. The presenter will provide a general overview of PDA as well as information about differential diagnoses. Identifying characteristics of PDA and selected neurodiversity affirming interventions that may benefit those with a PDA profile who have low support needs will be reviewed.

Speaker
Lydia Stellwag, MSW, LCSWA

This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program.

Webinar Information
This webinar will be broadcast with Zoom. Instructions to join the webinar will be emailed prior to the event. You can test your computer by going to the Zoom Test Page.

South Piedmont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5096. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. South Piedmont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

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Objectives

• Define PDA as it relates to Autism and ADHD.
• Outline at least four PDA characteristics.
• Describe differential diagnoses for PDA and other mental health diagnoses that may be mistaken for PDA.
• Examine the ways in which physical pain is associated with PDA.
• Demonstrate how PDA impacts family dynamics.
• Explain the connection between selective mutism and PDA.
• Analyze how specific issues such as shame and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)can impact those with a PDA profile.
• Discuss the difference between internalizing and externalizing presentations of clients with a PDA profile.
• Name some neurodiversity-affirming intervention strategies that can be helpful when working with clients who exhibit a PDA profile.

Sessions