PDA & ODD Support Resources
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance?
More than being “defiant”
PDA is a profile of Autism where a person feels extreme anxiety about everyday demands, even ones they want to do. The need for control isn’t about being difficult. It’s about surviving overwhelming internal pressure. Refusing, avoiding, or resisting requests is usually a oanic response, not a behavioural choice.
It looks different to other Autistic profiles
People with PDA may use social strategies (like distraction, humour, negotiation, or shutdowns) to avoid demands. They may appear charming, imaginative, and sociable, until the pressure builds. These children and adults often hit a wall quickly, struggle with transitions, and feel most safe when they’re in charge.
What helps is collaboration, not control
Traditional behaviour strategies often backfire with PDA. The more pressure applied, the more intense the avoidance. What actually works is reducing demands, building trust, offering choices, and finding side-door ways in. Respect, autonomy, and a low-pressure environment are essential.
What is Oppositional Defiance Disorder?
A pattern of resistance, rooted in relationship and regulation
ODD is a label used when children or teens frequently argue, defy rules, or show anger toward adults. But this behaviour isn’t random. It’s often a sign that the child is struggling to feel safe, heard, or in control. It can stem from trauma, unmet needs, or co-occuring neurodivergence like ADHD or Autism.
It’s not just “being naughty”
Children with ODD are often highly sensitive, easily frustrated, and stuck in power struggles they didn’t start. They might challenge adults constantly or seem angry without cause. But underneath is usually a nervous system stuck in survival mode.
What helps is connection, consistency, and co-regulation
Traditional strategies like punishment, consequences, or strict routines usually make things worse. What actually works is co-regulation, collaboration, flexibility, and giving the person as much choice and control as possible. You can’t punish someone into feeling safe, but you can create safety through connection.
PDA vs ODD — What’s the Difference?
PDA
A profile of Autism involving extreme anxiety about demands
Avoidance is rooted in panic and perceived loss of autonomy
Best supported with flexibility, autonomy, and low-demand environments
Behaviours may look intentional but stem from nervous system overload
Often misdiagnosed as ODD in early years
ODD
A behavioural label often used in children who are frequently angry or defiant.
Opposition is often relational, reactive, or learned over time
Best supported with co-regulation, strong relationships, and fair boundaries
Behaviours may stem from unmet emotional needs, past experiences, or injustice
Common diagnosis, especially after trauma
Important Note: PDA is not currently recognised in the DSM, and ODD is sometimes applied in a way that pathologises trauma or neurodivergence. Both require careful, compassionate understanding — and neither should be met with punishment or shame.
Championing people with PDA or ODD
Both PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) are terms used to describe people who strongly resist being told what to do. It’s often a sign that the person is overwhelmed, anxious, or trying to protect their autonomy in a world that feels unpredictable or unsafe. Here’s how to help reduce resistance and build connection:
Stay curious, not controlling.
Behind the defiance is usually something deeper, like ear, overwhelm, or unmet needs. Ask what’s going on, not what’s wrong.
Prioritise Connection over control.
These individuals often test whether adults will stay with them when things get hard. Show up, repair after conflict, and let them know they’re not too much.
Remove shame from the picture.
Many kids and adults already feel like the problem. Be the person who reminds them they’re not broken — they’re just navigating differently.
Offer choices whenever you can.
Control is often the root of the distress, offering real choices helps lower anxiety and increase cooperation. Even small choices make a big difference.
Regulate first, teach second.
Learning and behaviour change only happen when someone feels safe. Help them regulate, then gently build skills together: no pressure, and no lectures.
How we can help people with PDA or ODD
Developmental Education for PDA and ODD →
Understand what’s happening beneath PDA or ODD behaviours
Learn how to reduce power struggles, create flexibility, and build trust
Practical tools and coaching that actually work in real life.
Functional Capacity Assessment for PDA or ODD
Holistic reports that explore what’s hard, what’s working, and where support is needed
Especially helpful for NDIS applications and reviews
Captures the big picture, not just the behaviours
Positive Behaviour Support for PDA or ODD →
Behaviour plans that reduce distress and avoid triggering meltdowns
Strategies that build safety, not force compliance
Clear guidance for families, educators, and support workers
Emotional regulation, anxiety support, and identity-safe therapy
Focused on connection, safety, and reducing internalised shame
Therapy that meets the person where they are, not where they’re “meant” to be
Regional Intensives for PDA or ODD →
In-person support where it’s needed most, including rural and remote areas
Fast tracked strategies for home, school, and community
Practical, low-pressure planning for complex support needs
Not sure what’s right for you? Every person is different. Say G’day to Brooke today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.