Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Is a Junk Diagnosis

Prove me wrong… Double-dog-dare ya. Hell, make it a triple…

🚨Content Warning: Discusses the controversial proposed PDA diagnosis. Opinionated. A tad passionate…

Too-Long;Didn’t-Read

Pathological Demand Avoidance” (PDA). Some call it “junk” science. No standard diagnostic tool, DSM or ICD, recognizes it. Why?
Critics argue the label, “PDA,” stigmatizes rather than helps. We can better support autistic kids. How?
Researchers working with adult Neurodivergents reevaluate PDA, suggesting more authentic approaches. Where?

Pathological Demand Avoidance is a fringe, PROPOSED diagnosis. Backed up by little… replicated… research.

Not recognized by DSM or ICD, the two standard diagnostic manuals used by doctors and therapits.

In fact, PDA is what’s known in the trade as a “junk” diagnosis.

Cage an animal? It will go crazy.

Unnaturally restrain ANY natural impulse of a child? They will freak out. Once you pass their individual tolerance level.

“This Autistic Boy’s Life,” digital image by author. Digital tools included AI.

Any child. With ANY neurology.

PDA is an insulting,
denigrating,
dehumanizing diagnosis,
invented by “pros,”
hired by frustrated parents
who restrain
their own autistic kids’ natures…

Cuz they didn’t understand how to meet their kids’ needs.

My feelings.

Prove me wrong…👇

Inspired by an interesting conversation on LinkedIn:

Replying to @🌶️ Navin Israni

I think I will bow out of this sub conversation.

I’ve spent the better part of 5 years of writing & podcasting about not pathologizing neurodivergent thinking. Rather accepting it as intrinsically different… a difference that has become increasingly unwelcome in a modern consumer capitalist “society.”

Not interested in another “conversation.” I’ve had literally a dozen pathological labels tossed at me by confident pros. Some pretty severe.

This in hindsight and the knowledge of my intrinsic differences… seems ludicrous.

Substituting my links for another back & forth.

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Key Takeaways

Challenging PDA’s Validity: The article criticizes Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as a “junk” diagnosis, noting its lack of empirical support and absence from recognized diagnostic manuals like DSM and ICD.
Impact on Neurodivergent Individuals: PDA is described as stigmatizing and harmful, pathologizing behaviors natural to autistic children in response to misunderstanding overwhelm. Highlights the need for better support tailored to neurodivergent needs.
Personal Insights and Advocacy: Leveraging personal experiences and advocacy discussions, such as those with Navin Israni, the author advocates for recognizing neurodivergent thinking as inherently valid rather than disordered, urging a societal shift towards acceptance.
Call for Rethinking Neurodiversity: The article invites readers to challenge pathological labels and consider more authentic approaches to neurodivergence, supported by expert dialogues like those with Dr. Deborah Budding.
Resources for Deeper Understanding: It provides links to balanced discussions and research on PDA and neurodivergence, offering resources for those seeking to understand these concepts without stigma.
Engagement and Support: The conclusion calls for reader engagement with the #AutisticAF Out Loud Newsletter, promoting a community dialogue that supports open discussions on neurodivergence.