In this episode, we unpack Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) within autism—what it is, how it shows up, and why it’s so often misunderstood. We explore how everyday demands can trigger intense anxiety, why PDA is frequently misread as defiance, and why traditional approaches like rewards and consequences often don’t work.

This conversation centers autonomy, nervous-system safety, and compassionate support, offering insight for autistic people, parents, and professionals alike.