This paper challenges the usefulness of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as a diagnostic label from a social science and critical autism studies perspective. It argues that PDA may pathologize behaviours that are simply nonconforming to neurotypical expectations rather than indicative of a distinct disorder.
The author suggests that demand avoidance may be a rational response for autistic individuals, rather than a sign of defiance or disorder. Labelling young people as having PDA, the paper argues, risks reinforcing misunderstandings about autism and making them vulnerable to unnecessary interventions. It calls for a re-examination of how PDA is framed and whether it reflects a genuine clinical need or a failure to understand autistic behaviours.