Content round-up: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

On the SEND Network, we have a wide range of content covering PDA - but here are some of our highlights.

May 30, 2025

SEND Network

Content Team, SEND Network

Content round-up: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

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According to the PDA society, Pathological Demand Avoidance (aka PDA) involves not being able to do certain things at certain times, either for yourself or others, and also refers to the things we do in order to avoid demands. It is human for us to want to avoid demands, however for some autistic people, this can cause them to refuse, withdraw, ‘shutdown’.

On the SEND Network, we have a wide range of content covering PDA - but here are some of our highlights.

What is PDA?

An Introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance

At the 2021 Tes SEND Show, Tigger Pritchard (Advocate/Consultant/Trainer - Tiggertraining) introduces the proposed sub-type of autism spectrum disorder; Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

Pathological demand avoidance traits explained

In this video I break down the most common traits associated with PDA and discuss tips on how to navigate these challenges

Identification of PDA

A glimpse into the world of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Hannah McCormack discusses an all too often overlooked developmental condition, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Discover how to identify and support students with PDA.

School Refusal & PDA: Why "No" Might Mean More!

Our daughter struggles with school refusal, and after much searching, we discovered it's linked to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). This video shares our journey of navigating meltdowns, rigid routines, and the constant battle between her needs and "normal" expectations.

Strategies to support children with PDA

Season 3 Episode 5: Unmasking neurodivergence with Duncan Casburn (PDA Dad UK)

For this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, Izzy is joined by Duncan Casburn, aka PDA Dad UK, to discuss masking in the classroom and how to encourage students to unmask. Watch the video version here!

Supporting the learning of children and young people with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Education Consultant Ruth Fidler spoke at the 2022 Tes SEND Show about understanding the PDA profile, supporting the educational experiences of pupils and exploring effective teaching approaches.

Using a low arousal and low demand approaches in your practice

For Children's Mental Health Week, Hannah McCormack looked at the low arousal and low demand approaches. She explores what the approaches are, the benefits of adopting them and how you can implement them within your own practice. There are four parts to the series, which you can access here: