This poster provides a visual summary of research on how the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) can help identify Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). The study aimed to pinpoint which DISCO items best distinguish PDA from other autism spectrum profiles and to analyse the behavioural traits of individuals with PDA.
Using data from a previous parent-report study, researchers identified eleven DISCO items strongly associated with PDA. These included behaviours like ‘lack of co-operation,’ ‘apparently manipulative behaviour,’ ‘difficulties with others,’ and ‘repetitive acting out roles.’ While PDA traits overlapped with core autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features, the PDA group displayed more extreme behavioural challenges. The findings highlight the need for tailored assessment tools to accurately identify PDA traits. This research helps improve understanding of PDA within the autism spectrum and informs future diagnostic approaches.