If you have kids in today’s world, there’s a high likelihood that they’re distracted by technology and generally lack the desire to complete tasks that are ascribed to them like homework, and yes, even work-work. But when does chronic avoidance transition from resistance to a pathological level of stress that results in a total breakdown? Let’s discuss the condition in depth and explain why it’s becoming such a hot topic and one of the fastest rising conditions in our practice.
What is PDA Autism?
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) characterized by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands and expectations, even those that the individual might typically want to meet. This avoidance is driven by high levels of anxiety and a perceived loss of autonomy. During an episode, the individual, when presented with a demand or task, may excessively focus on another task as a means of avoidance, or shut down altogether to avoid the demand.
The condition is not yet a part of a formal diagnosis found in most diagnostic texts, but the condition is presenting so rapidly that it is becoming one of the most common conditions of our generation. You can learn more specifics about the condition from the National Autistic Society on this page.
Why is PDA Autism on the rise?
Our job as clinicians is to identify symptoms of dysregulation and help clients to manage them. We’ve said this before, but a majority of what we address in our practice today directly relates to screen time. It is the epidemic of our time. And although it affects all members of the family, we find that children and teens suffer the most from screen time regulation and withdrawal.
This touches on the environmental component of our overall mental health. We are all predisposed to dysregulation when our environment is not supporting our needs and overall wellbeing. It’s one of the reasons why “Environment” is a critical component of our “7 Foundations of Brain Health” at Behaved Brain. We talked about this in one of our latest blogs, where Katie shared how a change in environment was negatively impacting her own children. You can read that entire article here.
So, there is a case to be made that PDA Autism symptoms are typical of children and toddlers, who with proper modeling, learn to regulate their emotions. Furthermore, screens have been attributed to lowering socialization skills in all individuals, another earmark of PDA Autism. And while we don’t yet have formal studies to tie the two together, our anecdotal evidence suggests a strong link between technology addiction and PDA Autism symptoms.
What Are PDA Autism Symptoms?
Extreme Demand Avoidance
Refusal to comply with everyday demands or requests, often in ways that seem willful but are rooted in anxiety. Avoidance can turn into total breakdowns.
Spike in Anxiety
An increase in avoidance behaviors that stem from a need to manage overwhelming feelings of anxiety and control.
Lack of Social Depth
Though individuals may be able to successfully engage in conversations and make eye contact, they lack deep socialization skills to form meaningful relationships.
Intense Emotional Outbursts
Overwhelmed feelings lead to meltdowns, shutdowns or displays of anger, frustration or panic when demands are presented or persist.
Obsessive Interests
Avoiding demands by focusing on other tasks, interests or activities.
Indifference to Consequences
The individual often does not react the same as others to consequences, and alternatively does not appear to seek traditional rewards.
Treating Technology Addiction
Recognizing the great need to address screen time issues, the team at Behaved Brain has been certified in Technology Addiction. This enables our team to address the challenges of screen time and technology to help give parents, teens and children practical ways to detox from technology while reconnecting to the world around them.
Technology Addiction Therapy aims to reduce overall screentime exposure while giving each client coping skills to help them address and implement task management, organization, exercise, socialization, goal-setting, calming techniques, positive nutrition and other life skills. Together, we’re helping families reduce screen time while implementing positive life skills to help their brain and body thrive.
Can you have PDA without having Autism?
We think the answer to this is a resounding “yes.” Ultimately, a diagnosis is only a listing of expressed symptoms, and many behaviors that fall under the PDA Autism umbrella are present in most individuals, but to varying degrees. And the truth is, even if you do not fall into the “extreme” range that PDA Autism demands, it doesn’t mean you should live with the symptoms either.
Our world today is demanding. Most of us are overwhelmed with all we’re expected to accomplish. As a therapy practice, our goal is to address psychological dysregulation and give clients a practical approach to be able to self-regulate symptoms and move through life with better self-control and overall confidence.
If you find yourself avoiding important tasks, feeling overwhelmed by what’s on your “to-do” list, or are experiencing panic attacks when presented with work, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation to learn more about how the Behaved Brain method and our experts can help you live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the symptoms of PDA Autism can develop through genetic differences, environmental sources, or a combination of the two. If your child is prone to isolation, distractions, avoidance, anxiety or stress, then added screen time will only make their symptoms worse. In addition to that, low socialization skills are on the rise and are contributing to things like a skyrocketing suicide rate, feelings of worthlessness, and increased reclusivity.
The antidote to this is PDA Autism Therapy which addresses all of the sources of stress and anxiety and gives each client a practical path to overcome their dysregulation. The first step is to take a PDA Autism Test to determine the depth and severity of the condition. Our “7 Foundations of Brain Health” is an excellent program to help anyone suffering with PDA Autism. To schedule a consultation for PDA Autism at Behaved Brain, call 201-857-5380 or email wellness@behavedbrain.com.
