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What are the experiences and support needs of families of autistic children with Extreme (or ‘Pathological’) Demand Avoidance (E/PDA) behaviours?

Year Published: 2025
Authors: Saher Nawaz, Susan Speer

The study explored the experiences and support needs of parents caring for autistic children who display Extreme or Pathological Demand Avoidance (E/PDA) behaviours. Through interviews with 21 parents, the researchers identified four key themes: a lack of understanding and recognition of E/PDA by professionals, the blaming and judgment of parents through a neuro-normative lens, inadequate and non-individualised support, and significant emotional and relational distress experienced by families. These findings reveal a harmful cycle in which poor understanding leads to inappropriate responses and unmet needs, compounding the challenges faced by both children and their families. The study emphasizes the urgent need for E/PDA-informed training, personalised support strategies, and a shift away from rigid diagnostic categories toward more nuanced, formulation-based approaches in service provision.