WELCOME TO PRODIGIOUS PDA

This website is for special education needs and blog purposes for those wanting to know more about Autism and in particular Pathological Demand Avoidance

About Us

I threw myself into parenting and toddler groups plus the obligatory weekly sing-alongs at the local library. I soon noticed that our little girl was different.  She didn’t crawl and she wasn’t interested doing what was asked of her or playing with children or objects – she only wanted her mum. Because she was the only child, I convinced myself that perhaps it was my parenting style; too smothering or too anxious. I tried not to worry too much although I did have a feeling something was amiss.

What Is PDA Or EDA ?

What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) or Extreme Demand Avoidance (EDA)?

PDA is a profile on the autism spectrum involving the avoidance of everyday demands. PDA people also have autistic characteristics/traits.

The defining feature of PDA is:  intolerance for uncertainty and balance* that can override other survival instincts or basic needs like hygiene, sleeping, eating, safety even toileting. The extreme avoidance extends to basic demands of everyday life and not just unpleasant difficult or anxiety provoking tasks and jobs – including difficulty in complying with their own self-imposed expectations and with things that they really do want to do.

Why Obtain a Diagnosis ?

In the UK & US the average age of an autism diagnosis is 4 years old, and you can receive a diagnosis at as young as 3 years old. Females are generally diagnosed later than males largely because a lot more is known about males on the autism spectrum and secondly females tend to mask their difficulties and are remarkable at mimicking and trying to fit in – this sadly comes at a significant cost to their mental health if not spotted early on.

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