Recently, a client asked me about PDA , Pathological Demand Avoidance, and I was able to share insights related to anxiety, autism, and other neuro-diverse related expressions.
For those who need a more informed understanding, give this a go: untitled
https://understandingzoe.com/Understanding_Zoe_PDA_Guide.pdf
However, the other day I experienced a level of anxiety which allowed me to understand similar symptoms on a personal level.
For reasons not worth describing here, I was experiencing a hyper-level of tension; which produced a deep sense of anxiety. As a result, the simplest task demand shifted the experience from interest – curiosity or motivation toward avoidance: I was not interested at all in feeling the physical representation of stress and anxiety associated with the task. And all the situation asked me to do was “select a restaurant” for dinner. But the sense of responsibility toward others in this decision was WAY TOO MUCH for me at this moment. So I asked quietly, “just decide please?”
This was unlike me. But so was the feeling of anxiety in that moment.
Sure, all is well. And I have shifted from that state of tension – stress to my usual self. However, it allowed me to understand the sense of how a simple responsibility or demand could produce a feeling of “avoidance” behavior for the anxiety associated with this request was just too much in the moment.
Though PDA is not within the scope of the classic physician’s DSM, it lands within the context of anxiety – autism – neurodiversity.
As we help our children, especially those who are highly sensitive, emotionally acute, and often over-whelmed, understanding is always the best path toward comfort and aide.
Best to you all.
Larry