“Charlie” is an eight-year-old child with autism. Her parents are worried because she often responds to requests with insults, aggression and refusal. Simple demands, such as being asked to get ...

For many families, the hardest part of seeking help is not their child’s distress, but the suggestion they are somehow to ...

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.