inTune Pathways: The Podcast

Is it demand avoidance or PDA?

Listen Later

In this episode, Kristy dives into one of the most frequently asked questions: What is the difference between demand avoidance and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? Through personal reflections and insights, Kristy highlights how PDA is far more than demand avoidance and explores the intersection of trauma, agency, and varying forms of associated neurodivergence.

 

Key Points Covered

  1. The Nature of PDA

    • PDA is an inherent neurobiology, not acquired or temporary.
    • It is distinct from general demand avoidance, which can occur across neurobiologies.

    • Demand Avoidance vs. PDA

      • General demand avoidance is often situational, fluctuates, and can be a response to factors like burnout or executive functioning challenges.
      • PDA is pervasive and intrinsic, impacting all areas of life and often misunderstood as oppositional behaviour.

      • The Role of Trauma

        • While trauma and PDA may intersect, they are not synonymous. Trauma can exacerbate the experience of PDA, but PDA itself is not caused by trauma.

        • The Impact of Autonomy and Agency

          • A lack of agency feels like a death sentence for PDAers.
          • Healthy autonomy fosters emotional growth and identity development.

          • Personal Experiences

            • Kristy shares how PDA has shaped her life, relationships, and work, emphasizing the need for individualized support over generic frameworks.

              •   Key Takeaways

              • PDA is not solely demand avoidance: While the terminology suggests a focus on avoidance behaviors, PDA encompasses much more, including a heightened need for autonomy and agency.
              • Avoidance can manifest in many ways: Dysregulation, perfectionism, and self-imposed demands often create barriers that PDAers must navigate.
              • Support must be tailored: Generic strategies rarely work. Responsive, individualized care is essential for fostering a thriving environment for PDAers.
              • Society plays a critical role: Many challenges faced by PDAers stem from societal expectations and the lack of inclusivity, rather than their neurodivergence itself.

                •   Who Is This Episode For?

                This episode is ideal for:

                • Parents and caregivers of children with PDA, who want to better understand their child’s needs and behaviors.
                • Educators and professionals looking to support PDA individuals with neuroaffirming and responsive care strategies.
                • PDA individuals seeking validation and a sense of community through shared experiences.
                • Advocates and allies aiming to deepen their understanding of the intersection between PDA, trauma, and autonomy.
                • Anyone curious about PDA, demand avoidance, and how these concepts relate to neurodivergence and societal frameworks.

                  •   Connect with Us:
                  - Website: ⁠www.kristyforbes.com.au⁠
                  - Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/_kristyforbes⁠
                  - Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/intunepathways⁠

                   

                  ...more
                  View all episodesView all episodes
                  Download on the App Store
                  inTune Pathways: The PodcastBy Kristy Forbes
                  • 5
                  • 5
                  • 5
                  • 5
                  • 5

                  5

                  35 ratings

                  More shows like inTune Pathways: The Podcast

                  View all
                  ADHD Experts Podcast by ADDitude

                  ADHD Experts Podcast

                  1,310 Listeners

                  Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families by Dr Justin Coulson

                  Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

                  158 Listeners

                  TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children by Debbie Reber

                  TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

                  963 Listeners

                  Beautifully Complex by Penny Williams

                  Beautifully Complex

                  341 Listeners

                  Neurodiversity Podcast by Emily Kircher-Morris

                  Neurodiversity Podcast

                  398 Listeners

                  THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST by Holly Blanc Moses

                  THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

                  580 Listeners

                  Two Sides of the Spectrum by Meg Ferrell

                  Two Sides of the Spectrum

                  234 Listeners

                  Uniquely Human: The Podcast by ART19 Uniquely Human

                  Uniquely Human: The Podcast

                  406 Listeners

                  The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma} by Robyn Gobbel

                  The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}

                  226 Listeners

                  Meet My Autistic Brain by The Autistic Woman™

                  Meet My Autistic Brain

                  266 Listeners

                  Autistic Culture Podcast | Neurodivergent Perspectives by Angela Kingdon + Matt Lowry | Your #ActuallyAutistic Hosts

                  Autistic Culture Podcast | Neurodivergent Perspectives

                  147 Listeners

                  At Peace Parents™ Podcast by Casey

                  At Peace Parents™ Podcast

                  334 Listeners

                  AuDHD Flourishing by Mattia Mauree

                  AuDHD Flourishing

                  69 Listeners

                  ADHD Mums by Jane McFadden

                  ADHD Mums

                  14 Listeners