This page provides an overview of the research into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and related forms of demand avoidance, highlighting key milestones and developments that have shaped our current understanding.<\/p>\n
While this research has been pivotal in defining PDA, it represents just the beginning of understanding a highly complex subject. More research is urgently needed to enable professionals to offer effective support and ensure the needs of people with PDA are met.<\/p>\n
As this is a history of PDA research, some of the language used reflects the terms and perspectives at the time research was published.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”40px|48px|40px|48px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px|15px|15px|15px|false|false” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”The early years: identifying PDA” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||40px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]
In the 1980s, Professor Elizabeth Newson OBE, a developmental psychologist at the University of Nottingham, began working with children who displayed a distinct behavioural profile. These children shared traits with autism, but they also showed an \u201cobsessional avoidance of the ordinary demands of everyday life\u201d and an intense need to maintain control.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” toggle_icon=”3||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” toggle_font_size=”18px” body_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=” ” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et_pb_toggle {|| padding: 10px;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_title:before {||background: #207788;|| border-radius: 50%;|| display: flex;|| align-items: center;|| justify-content: center;||}||||selector .et_pb_accordion_item {|| border: none;|| border-top: 2px solid #F2ECEB !important;|| padding: 15px 0;||}||||selector .et_pb_accordion_item:last-child {|| border-bottom: 0 !important;||}||” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a5a5a5″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Newson described how this demand avoidance was unique because it extended beyond explicit instructions” open=”on” open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” border_radii=”off||||” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” border_width_right=”0px” border_width_left=”0px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”]
These children used social strategies to avoid demands, such as distraction, negotiation, or excuses-behaviours that initially seemed unusually social when compared to how autism was understood at the time. These observations prompted Newson to propose PDA as a distinct profile, though she also emphasised there was an overlap with autistic traits.<\/p>\n
In the 1990s, Newson published a series of articles and delivered lectures that further defined PDA. Her work described children with:<\/p>\n
Newson\u2019s detailed observations laid the groundwork for identifying PDA in clinical settings and for understanding how it could manifest across the lifespan.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”The foundation of the PDA Society” open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et_pb_toggle_content {|| margin-top: 20px;||}||||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content li:not(:last-child) {||\tmargin-bottom: 15px;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul {|| margin-top: 15px;|| list-style-type: none;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li {|| position: relative;|| padding-left: 10px;||}|||| selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li::before {|| content: ”;|| position: absolute;|| left: -1em;|| top: 6px;|| width: 16px;|| height: 16px;|| background-image: url(%22data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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%22);|| background-size: contain;|| background-repeat: no-repeat;||}” border_radii=”off||||” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” open=”off”]
In 1997, a group of parents with PDA children came together to form the PDA Contact Group. This group focused on:<\/p>\n
Over time, the PDA Contact Group evolved into the PDA Society, we\u2019ve been a registered charity since 2016. We continue to advocate for PDA recognition, provide resources for families and professionals, and support further research.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Understanding PDA within pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs)” open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et_pb_toggle_content {|| margin-top: 20px;||}||||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content li:not(:last-child) {||\tmargin-bottom: 15px;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul {|| margin-top: 15px;|| list-style-type: none;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li {|| position: relative;|| padding-left: 10px;||}|||| selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li::before {|| content: ”;|| position: absolute;|| left: -1em;|| top: 6px;|| width: 16px;|| height: 16px;|| background-image: url(%22data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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%22);|| background-size: contain;|| background-repeat: no-repeat;||}” border_radii=”off||||” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” open=”off”]
In 2003, Newson and colleagues published the first peer-reviewed paper on PDA. This paper introduced the \u201cFamily of Pervasive Developmental Disorders\u201d diagram, which mapped how PDA related to other conditions within the PDD umbrella, such as autism and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified).<\/p>\n
Newson emphasized the fluidity of these traits, a concept particularly important for clinicians, as it highlighted that children\u2019s needs and behaviours could evolve, requiring ongoing assessment and tailored support.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”PDA as part of the autism spectrum” open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et_pb_toggle_content {|| margin-top: 20px;||}||||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content li:not(:last-child) {||\tmargin-bottom: 15px;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul {|| margin-top: 15px;|| list-style-type: none;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li {|| position: relative;|| padding-left: 10px;||}|||| selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li::before {|| content: ”;|| position: absolute;|| left: -1em;|| top: 6px;|| width: 16px;|| height: 16px;|| background-image: url(%22data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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%22);|| background-size: contain;|| background-repeat: no-repeat;||}” border_radii=”off||||” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” open=”off”]
In 2013, the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) replaced PDDs with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to reflect advances in our understanding autism.<\/p>\n
This change prompted researchers to explore whether PDA should be understood as a profile within autism, rather than a separate condition. Studies found significant overlap, with nearly all individuals identified as having PDA also meeting diagnostic criteria for what is now called \u2018autism\u2019.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Research tools for identifying PDA” open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et_pb_toggle_content {|| margin-top: 20px;||}||||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content li:not(:last-child) {||\tmargin-bottom: 15px;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul {|| margin-top: 15px;|| list-style-type: none;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li {|| position: relative;|| padding-left: 10px;||}|||| selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li::before {|| content: ”;|| position: absolute;|| left: -1em;|| top: 6px;|| width: 16px;|| height: 16px;|| background-image: url(%22data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMjAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjAiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAyMCAyMCIgZmlsbD0ibm9uZSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTguNiAxNC42TDE1LjY1IDcuNTVMMTQuMjUgNi4xNUw4LjYgMTEuOEw1Ljc1IDguOTVMNC4zNSAxMC4zNUw4LjYgMTQuNlpNMTAgMjBDOC42MTY2NyAyMCA3LjMxNjY3IDE5LjczNzUgNi4xIDE5LjIxMjVDNC44ODMzMyAxOC42ODc1IDMuODI1IDE3Ljk3NSAyLjkyNSAxNy4wNzVDMi4wMjUgMTYuMTc1IDEuMzEyNSAxNS4xMTY3IDAuNzg3NSAxMy45QzAuMjYyNSAxMi42ODMzIDAgMTEuMzgzMyAwIDEwQzAgOC42MTY2NyAwLjI2MjUgNy4zMTY2NyAwLjc4NzUgNi4xQzEuMzEyNSA0Ljg4MzMzIDIuMDI1IDMuODI1IDIuOTI1IDIuOTI1QzMuODI1IDIuMDI1IDQuODgzMzMgMS4zMTI1IDYuMSAwLjc4NzVDNy4zMTY2NyAwLjI2MjUgOC42MTY2NyAwIDEwIDBDMTEuMzgzMyAwIDEyLjY4MzMgMC4yNjI1IDEzLjkgMC43ODc1QzE1LjExNjcgMS4zMTI1IDE2LjE3NSAyLjAyNSAxNy4wNzUgMi45MjVDMTcuOTc1IDMuODI1IDE4LjY4NzUgNC44ODMzMyAxOS4yMTI1IDYuMUMxOS43Mzc1IDcuMzE2NjcgMjAgOC42MTY2NyAyMCAxMEMyMCAxMS4zODMzIDE5LjczNzUgMTIuNjgzMyAxOS4yMTI1IDEzLjlDMTguNjg3NSAxNS4xMTY3IDE3Ljk3NSAxNi4xNzUgMTcuMDc1IDE3LjA3NUMxNi4xNzUgMTcuOTc1IDE1LjExNjcgMTguNjg3NSAxMy45IDE5LjIxMjVDMTIuNjgzMyAxOS43Mzc1IDExLjM4MzMgMjAgMTAgMjBaIiBmaWxsPSIjMUMxQjFGIi8+Cjwvc3ZnPgo=%22);|| background-size: contain;|| background-repeat: no-repeat;||}” border_radii=”off||||” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” open=”off”]
The Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire (EDA-Q)<\/strong><\/p>\n In 2013, Dr. Liz O\u2019Nions and colleagues built on Newson\u2019s work to develop the EDA-Q, a questionnaire that measures caregiver-reported behaviours in children and young people aged 5\u201317.<\/p>\n Although not a diagnostic tool, the EDA-Q helps researchers consistently identify extreme demand avoidance traits for study purposes. Psychiatrist Professor Christopher Gillberg suggested renaming PDA to Extreme Demand Avoidance (EDA) to better capture its characteristics, though opinions on terminology remain divided.<\/p>\n In 2021, researchers refined the EDA-Q into the EDA-8, an eight-item questionnaire designed to focus on core PDA traits. This shorter tool ensures greater consistency across age, gender, and ability.<\/p>\n The Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO)<\/p>\n The DISCO assessment, originally designed to identify autism, has been used in research to pinpoint traits specific to PDA. Studies have found that individuals with PDA often score highly on specific PDA-related items, suggesting that DISCO could be adapted for assessing PDA in clinical settings.<\/p>\n Differentiating PDA from autism and attachment difficulties<\/p>\n In 2017, Charlotte Flackhill and colleagues developed the Coventry Grid Interview to help clinicians distinguish between autism and attachment difficulties. This tool was later adapted by Dr Judy Eaton to include PDA traits, helping professionals identify overlapping but distinct patterns of behaviour.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Behavioural features and intolerance of uncertainty” open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et_pb_toggle_content {|| margin-top: 20px;||}||||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content li:not(:last-child) {||\tmargin-bottom: 15px;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul {|| margin-top: 15px;|| list-style-type: none;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li {|| position: relative;|| padding-left: 10px;||}|||| selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li::before {|| content: ”;|| position: absolute;|| left: -1em;|| top: 6px;|| width: 16px;|| height: 16px;|| background-image: url(%22data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMjAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjAiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAyMCAyMCIgZmlsbD0ibm9uZSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTguNiAxNC42TDE1LjY1IDcuNTVMMTQuMjUgNi4xNUw4LjYgMTEuOEw1Ljc1IDguOTVMNC4zNSAxMC4zNUw4LjYgMTQuNlpNMTAgMjBDOC42MTY2NyAyMCA3LjMxNjY3IDE5LjczNzUgNi4xIDE5LjIxMjVDNC44ODMzMyAxOC42ODc1IDMuODI1IDE3Ljk3NSAyLjkyNSAxNy4wNzVDMi4wMjUgMTYuMTc1IDEuMzEyNSAxNS4xMTY3IDAuNzg3NSAxMy45QzAuMjYyNSAxMi42ODMzIDAgMTEuMzgzMyAwIDEwQzAgOC42MTY2NyAwLjI2MjUgNy4zMTY2NyAwLjc4NzUgNi4xQzEuMzEyNSA0Ljg4MzMzIDIuMDI1IDMuODI1IDIuOTI1IDIuOTI1QzMuODI1IDIuMDI1IDQuODgzMzMgMS4zMTI1IDYuMSAwLjc4NzVDNy4zMTY2NyAwLjI2MjUgOC42MTY2NyAwIDEwIDBDMTEuMzgzMyAwIDEyLjY4MzMgMC4yNjI1IDEzLjkgMC43ODc1QzE1LjExNjcgMS4zMTI1IDE2LjE3NSAyLjAyNSAxNy4wNzUgMi45MjVDMTcuOTc1IDMuODI1IDE4LjY4NzUgNC44ODMzMyAxOS4yMTI1IDYuMUMxOS43Mzc1IDcuMzE2NjcgMjAgOC42MTY2NyAyMCAxMEMyMCAxMS4zODMzIDE5LjczNzUgMTIuNjgzMyAxOS4yMTI1IDEzLjlDMTguNjg3NSAxNS4xMTY3IDE3Ljk3NSAxNi4xNzUgMTcuMDc1IDE3LjA3NUMxNi4xNzUgMTcuOTc1IDE1LjExNjcgMTguNjg3NSAxMy45IDE5LjIxMjVDMTIuNjgzMyAxOS43Mzc1IDExLjM4MzMgMjAgMTAgMjBaIiBmaWxsPSIjMUMxQjFGIi8+Cjwvc3ZnPgo=%22);|| background-size: contain;|| background-repeat: no-repeat;||}” border_radii=”off||||” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” open=”off”] In 2019, researchers explored how intolerance of uncertainty (difficulty coping with unknown outcomes) contributes to PDA behaviours. They found that:<\/p>\n In a small 2015 study, Professor Christopher Gillberg and colleagues examined PDA prevalence in the Faroe Islands, finding that:<\/p>\n Studies, including those by Clare Truman, highlight the overwhelmingly negative experiences of PDA children in education. These include:<\/p>\n This underscores the importance of flexible, individualized approaches to education.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Research priorities for the future” open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”16px|16px|16px|16px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector .et_pb_toggle_content {|| margin-top: 20px;||}||||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content li:not(:last-child) {||\tmargin-bottom: 15px;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul {|| margin-top: 15px;|| list-style-type: none;||}||||selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li {|| position: relative;|| padding-left: 10px;||}|||| selector .et_pb_toggle_content ul li::before {|| content: ”;|| position: absolute;|| left: -1em;|| top: 6px;|| width: 16px;|| height: 16px;|| background-image: url(%22data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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%22);|| background-size: contain;|| background-repeat: no-repeat;||}” border_radii=”off||||” border_color_all=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” open=”off”] In 2022, PDA Society consulted the community to identify key research priorities, including:<\/p>\n The principle of \u201cnothing about us without us\u201d is central to the future PDA research. By involving the PDA community at every stage-from study design to sharing results-researchers can ensure their work leads to meaningful, impactful outcomes.<\/p>\n This timeline highlights how far our understanding of PDA has come, as well as the challenges that remain. By building on this foundation, we can continue advocating for greater recognition, support, and inclusion for individuals with PDA.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Further reading” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||15px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px|16px|false|false” border_width_left=”3px” border_color_left=”#207788″ global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
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