Explain that there will be occasions when you have to make a demand, but also that you will try not to make demands when you don’t need to. If it is emotional, be prepared that this may not be seen as a good enough reason for the person with PDA to change their actions. If something is important, decide whether this is because it is practical or emotional. Respect that everyone has different ideas of what is important. Pickĭecide on whether you need something or want it. Where possible, use positive reinforcement rather than criticizing the person or focusing on the negative. Explaining both positive and negative consequences will give accountability and control of a situation. While direct, simple instructions are usually recommended for people on the autism spectrum, this lack of explanation can make people with PDA feel as though irrational demands are being made. Of telling the person what will happen, try and imply it instead. If they feel they are being given no choice, they can be driven to say no. The person with PDA can control, and introduce that. CreateĪre times when things do need to be done. You should also try to share these comments as your own opinion on the situation, instead of stating it as fact, which the person with PDA may see as untrue or even dishonest. Instead of commenting on a natural talent or feature, try finding something that they have control over. This may be because they prefer to be praised for things they have chosen to do, rather than something they can’t control.
Some people with PDA do not enjoy receiving praise or compliments and yet crave positive attention and recognition when they have done something well. You show your appreciation and say thank you, as it may help to motivate them the next time they need to do the task. You know that a task is particularly difficult for the individual with PDA, If there are several aspects to a task, working together or sharing the responsibility can help to make the person feel useful and needed. Share the responsibility As well as pleasing others, feeling part of a team is important. Try to avoid showing there is an expectation. If there is a way to give a hint or a vague outline instead of detailed instructions, then try this first. This can mean they are unable to complete the task.
This can be very upsetting, particularly for people who experience social difficulties. However, if we ask or remind them to do these things, we take away their ability to demonstrate kindness and consideration for others. Some people with PDA enjoy making others happy or surprising them by doing things that they know they would like. When you have finished with…, could you then….Try opening requests with phrases such as: Words gives the impression that you have made a decision for them and takenĪway their control. Person with PDA needs to feel they have some control. Some suggestions for adapting communication to better support people with PDAs. This can lead them to avoid tasks and activities that they would otherwise enjoy, which can be upsetting for the person with PDA. Sometimes this is due to how the person with PDA interprets the question or instruction. This leads people with PDAs to avoid and refuse any requests that are made too assertively. Like many other people on the autism spectrum, people with PDA experience high anxiety levels and can feel that they are not in control. Comfortable in role play and pretending.‘Surface’ sociability, reflected in social peculiarity, difficulties with peers, and lack of social constraint.Sudden changes in mood are associated with a need to control.Use of socially manipulative or outrageous behavior to avoid demands.An obsessive resistance to ordinary demands and requests.With other characteristics seen on the autism spectrum, a person with PDA may Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a condition that is part of the autism spectrum and is characterized by an overwhelming need to avoid or resist demands.