Excessive Demand Avoidance (EDA): The symptoms

Blog post adapted from Priory: Education and Children’s Services

What is EDA?
Excessive Demand Avoidance, previously know as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), is a developmental disorder which is distinct from autism but falls under the spectrum. It is a pervasive developmental disorder (meaning it affects all areas of development) and was first identified by Elizabeth Newson in 2003, although it is still not currently recognised in many tools used for diagnosing autism. It is a complex, challenging, and misunderstood condition that is often ignored or not even recognised by many professionals. It is worth noting that strategies which are helpful for children with autistic spectrum disorder may not be useful in cases of EDA.

Core features of EDA are:

• A need to resist normal, everyday demands made by others.

• Resistance which appears to be a way of managing acute anxiety.

• Unlike those with autism, learners with EDA may use social skills to manipulate. These skills are, however, at a functional and logical level rather than at a deeper emotional level.

Speak to a paediatrician if your child presents with any of the aforementioned symptoms.