Demand Avoidance
Also known as: PDA profile, persistent drive for autonomy
What does Demand Avoidance mean?
Demand avoidance describes a pattern where a child experiences intense distress, resistance, or avoidance when faced with expectations — even ones that seem small or everyday, like being asked to put on shoes or come to dinner. This is not defiance or a choice; it reflects a genuine and often anxiety-driven response to feeling that autonomy or safety is threatened. Understanding this pattern can help caregivers and educators shift toward collaborative, low-demand approaches that work better for the child.
Why this term matters
Recognizing demand avoidance can help families and school teams move away from approaches that unintentionally increase distress, and toward strategies that reduce anxiety and build trust over time. It may be worth raising this pattern with a psychologist or behaviour consultant who is familiar with autistic profiles to explore what supports might help.
Canadian context
Demand avoidance is increasingly discussed in Canadian autism and neurodiversity communities, though it may be described differently by various professionals; eligibility for related supports and therapies is determined by the program administrator and varies by province or territory.
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