Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is an extreme resistance to everyday demands, such as getting dressed or brushing the teeth. Researchers often associate PDA with autism, especially in children.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), or, as many prefer, Persistent Drive for Autonomy, has gained a lot of traction in social media circles. While some have questioned the role of social media in PDA ...

Sophie, a 10-year-old, avoids straightforward tasks like getting dressed or doing homework. When her parents press her to comply, she might have a meltdown or withdraw to her room. At school, Sophie ...

McFly drummer Harry Judd’s wife Izzy Johnston revealed this week that one of their three children has pathological demand avoidance (PDA). “To the outsider looking in, they might see that as a sort of ...

This story is from The Pulse, a weekly health and science podcast. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Stella, 4, is smart, funny and has a lot of energy. Her verbal ...