This research explores how children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) traits manage emotions and problem-solving skills. It reviews studies on how well children with ASD control their emotions compared to those without ASD. The findings show that children with ASD often have more difficulty handling emotions.
The study is also the first to look at how executive function (EF)-the ability to plan, focus, and control impulses-relates to PDA behaviours. It finds that children with ASD and PDA traits have more EF difficulties than children without ASD. This suggests that struggles with EF may contribute to demand avoidance behaviours. The research highlights the need to consider what kind of task a child is avoiding and what EF skills are required to complete it. The findings emphasise the importance of tailored support strategies to help children and families manage these challenges.