Traditional forms of parenting or interventions don’t typically work for kids with PDA. ABA therapy, for example, which is often an intervention for autism, is usually a poor match for PDA. ABA’s direct focus on changing behavior can make things worse.
Many clinicians say that trauma-informed, nervous-system based, relationship-based approaches are what’s needed for kids with PDA. Overall, successful interventions require a compassionate, individualized approach that respects an individual with PDA’s need for control while providing support and structure. Specific approaches that are recommended include somatic therapy, DIR Floortime, talk therapy, neurofeedback, and the safe and sound protocol, among others.
No single approach is the universal best fit for kids with PDA. The PDA Society also states, “The key is to reduce the ‘perception’ of demands and to provide a sense of control and autonomy. Adaptation of environments and the opportunity to develop self-management techniques are also important.”
For more information, see our full article Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) 101.
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