{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"PDA in Autistic & ADHD Kids: Demand Avoidance + 5 Strategies That Help","description":"PDA in Autistic & ADHD Kids: Demand Avoidance + 5 Strategies That Help What if an autistic or ADHD child's \u201cNO\u201d isn't defiance? What if they're actually overwhelmed, anxious, or afraid? You ask your child to put on their shoes. A teacher asks a student to open their book. A therapist suggests an activity. And the response is an immediate \u201cNO!\u201d Or maybe the child freezes, walks away, or says, \u201cI can't.\u201d It's easy to interpret these responses as defiance, oppositional behavior, or a child choosing not to cooperate. But what if we're misunderstanding what's actually happening? In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I'm talking about PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), also called Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, and sharing five neurodiversity-affirming approaches to support autistic and ADHD children and teens who experience significant demand avoidance. For some children, everyday requests can trigger intense anxiety and a fight, flight, or freeze response. And when adults respond with more pressure, rewards, or consequences, things can get even harder. The goal isn't compliance. It's to understand what's happening and help children feel safe, supported, and understood. In this episode, you'll discover: Why PDA and demand avoidance are often mistaken for defiance or oppositional behavior. Why traditional behavior strategies, including rewards and consequences, can sometimes backfire. What may be happening when a child freezes, refuses, or says, \u201cI can't.\u201d How everyday demands, sensory experiences, and expectations can contribute to overwhelm. Why understanding a child's capacity is essential\u2014and what happens when adults don't listen. Five practical approaches to reduce pressure, support autonomy, and build trust. What parents, teachers, and therapists can say differently to encourage collaboration instead of power struggles. Whether you're a parent, therapist, counselor, psychologist, social worker, or educator, this episode will help you look beyond the behavior and better understand the child in front of you. "When we change how we understand a child's behavior, we change how we respond." - Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom\/Neurodivergent Therapist __________________________ For therapists, counselors, and psychologists Want to strengthen your neurodiversity-affirming clinical practice? I've created continuing education trainings specifically for mental health professionals who want practical approaches for supporting autistic and ADHD children and teens. Explore my continuing education trainings WANT Neurodiversity-affirming school accommodations?  You'll love the 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide! The guide includes practical, neurodiversity-affirming supports for executive functioning, academics, sensory needs, emotional regulation, social support, self-advocacy, and more, with examples of each accommodation. PLUS - 3 student examples Parents, click here for the Guide Therapists, click here for the Guide JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUPS Parents click here Therapists click here Learn about my private practice - North Carolina Center for Autism and ADHD \ud83d\ude4b\ud83c\udffb\u200d\u2640\ufe0f Join me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube \u2764\ufe0f If this episode helped you, please follow The Autism ADHD Podcast, share this episode, and leave a five-star review. Your support helps me continue creating free neurodiversity-affirming resources for parents and professionals. About The Autism ADHD Podcast Hosted by Holly Blanc Moses, a neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, mom, and speaker, The Autism ADHD Podcast offers neurodiversity-affirming information and practical strategies for parents, therapists, educators, and other professionals supporting autistic and ADHD children and teens. We explore autism, ADHD, emotional regulation, anxiety, mental health, executive functioning, sensory differences, friendships, social interaction, school support, and more. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. ","author_name":"THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST","author_url":"http:\/\/www.hollyblancmoses.com\/","html":"