Do you have Demand Avoidance? What is it & how do you manage it?

[GloomFighterNC]

This has been mentioned in connection with DC ongoing diagnostic process. I am also wondering if it affects some others in the extended family including adults.

If you have any experience of this I'd be very grateful to hear how you understand and manage it.

Bumping in hope 🙂

I think I know someone who has this.

I would advise reading up on declarative language. It can really help.

This gives a good, concise explanation:

www.facebook.com/share/MJ7Nq7Hw2hy4tCUw/?mibextid=WC7FNe

PDA is often associated with ASC. It can be very difficult to manage and can spiral quite easily. A very clear, consistent routine is helpful. Visual routines can also help as it's an extra layer of confirmation of 'the plan'. Give restricted options, to give the illusion of choice, for example, we are going to the shops and the library, which shall we do first? Don't phrase things as a command, so no "Shoes on now" type comments, rather "We need to leave at 9, so everyone has to have shoes on before we go". It can be very difficult to navigate when children have limited understanding. Again visual supports are really helpful as you aren't saying it, the timetable is. It does affect adults, in so much as, if you have PDA (or PDA type behaviours) they may still be present into adulthood, although adults typically are aware of the expectations so can be less rigid.

This book may also be helpful:

Declarative Language Handbook: Using a Thoughtful Language Style to Help Kids with Social Learning Challenges Feel Competent, Connected, and Understood amzn.eu/d/hpkOPhw

This gives a good overview of demand avoidance in general:

www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/demand-avoidance