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Sophie, a 10-year-old, avoids straightforward tasks like getting dressed or doing homework. When her parents press her to comply, she might have a meltdown or withdraw to her room. At school, Sophie ...

Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is an extreme resistance to everyday demands, such as getting dressed or brushing the teeth. Researchers often associate PDA with autism, especially in children.

Source: l i g h t p o e t/Shutterstock Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) was originally described as a subtype of autism in which anxiety is the primary driver of extreme demand avoidance. Currently ...