Pathological Demand Avoidance

This training provides information on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)/Persistent Drive for Autonomy, a trait presentation commonly associated with autism. PDA involves a nervous system response to perceived demands or removal of autonomy, which can result in reactions that are commonly mis-identified as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. These nervous system responses can be a barrier to engagement in school, work, and family relationships and can cause great distress for those experiencing them.

This training discusses what we know about PDA, differential diagnosis, approaches that can worsen PDA response, and approaches that can be useful for those with PDA.

Jessica Mertins, LICSW, has a masters of social work from the University of St. Thomas/Saint Catherine University and is currently an outpatient therapist, licensure supervisor, and Neurodiversity Specialist at Fernbrook Family Center. She trains from a perspective that blends her lived experience as a neurodivergent person, her professional experience, and her research and learning from other lived experience educators.

Host or Publisher Fernbrook Family Center