Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is not “won’t” or defiant behaviour, it’s “can’t.” Join host Madeleine Jane Lobsey and Aspect’s Positive Behaviour Support practitioner Anna James as they discuss how PDA was first coined in the 1980s, what it is, and low-demand, autonomy-focused strategies. They also offer practical tips for parents, educators and employers when working with Autistic children and adults.

Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction – What is PDA?
1:20 From “Pathological Demand Avoidance” to “Persistent Drive for Autonomy”
2:16 Anxiety at the core of PDA
3:46 “Can’t” vs “Won’t” explained
8:30 The hidden impact of “silent” demands
14:20 Declarative language & low-demand strategies
18:15 School and workplace accommodations
24:00 Empowering teens and adults with PDA
28:40 Key resources & closing thoughts

Further Resources & Reading:
What is autism? https://www.aspect.org.au/about-autis...
Autism fact sheets: https://www.aspect.org.au/about-autis...
Our latest research: https://www.aspect.org.au/our-researc...

About Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia):
Aspect is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to co-develop, co-produce and co-deliver supports and services that are individualised, goal driven and grounded in evidence-based practices.

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