12. Avoidance and Pathological Demand Avoidance through A Sensory Emotional Lens

Pathological Demand Avoidance, a diagnosis commonly known as PDA, is on the rise for children in our area. Yet, underlying sensory processing differences as a potential cause are often overlooked. Sensory processing and social-emotional differences show up in many different ways and lead to many different ways of being - or behaviors. Sensory processing differences overlap with many diagnoses - ADHD, OCD, PDD, ASD, ODD, PDA, Anxiety, and more. Sometimes, these diagnoses are simultaneously presented. Yet, many times, sensory processing differences are misdiagnosed as another diagnosis.  Over the next few episodes, Michele, along with special guests, will examine different diagnoses through a sensory emotional lens. You’ll discover: How sensory motor and social-emotional differences show up in many different ways and lead to many different ways of being - or behaviors. What is Pathological Demand Avoidance or PDA, and how does it show up in children  The many underlying sensory motor contributions to avoidance that are often not talked about when considering avoidance patterns Ways to use sensory motor strategies  to decrease avoidance behaviors from your child  Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/   About   Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™   Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR, and the Sensory Treatment and Research Institute faculty.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books to support parents and families in understanding the impact of sensory processing differences on social emotional capacities including family dynamics and relationships and day to day routines and activities. She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them.