Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome

[NourishingButtons]

Anyone got experience of this (pathological demand avoidance), I think this may be a big part of my sons complex picture and would love to chat to more experienced parents or anyone with experience

Some experience here. Ds (7) awaiting results of diagnostic assessment now, chances are he will get PDA. How old is your ds and have you got any specific questions?

He is 4 in August. I want to know strategies that work. What you say to others, especially when 'bad behaviour' is mentioned. Any therapies you use? How do school get on with him/how does he get on with school? How worried are you for his future independence with life and work? TIA

Strategies that work
i would recommend two books'understanding pathological demand avoidance in children' by Christie et al. And 'the explosive child' by Ross Greene. Also www.norsaca.org.uk/about-autism/elizabeth-newson-centre-publications-list/helping-your-child-with-pda-to-play/ this is a very useful article.
At home we have reduced demands wherever possible, we no longer try to make him do things that aren't strictly necessary eg. Put his coat on when going outside (he can be cold if he chooses, it's not going to hurt him), put his own shoes on or get himself dressed (instead we do this for him whilst distracting him in the manner of a kids tv presenter)
Distraction is our best strategy. Ds has lots of strong interests/obsessions so talking about one of his pet subjects usually distracts him enough to get things done without him noticing.
He also takes behaviour balance DMG which has been brilliant for him and makes a huge difference to the compliance/anxiety levels.
We have told most of our closer friends and family about PDA and almost everyone is very understanding. It does help that our dd who is 9 is extremely mature and very socially skilled so I think it's fairly clear that its not our parenting at fault. I'm sure there are lots of people on the school run who think 'he just needs a good hiding' but i choose to not waste my energy worrying about it.

There's a good forum, google pda contact and you'll find it.