EPISODE · Feb 23, 2026 · 31 MIN
#154 Don’t Tell Me What To Do: ADHD, PDA & The Demand-Avoidant Brain
from Navigating Adult ADHD · host Xena Jones
In this episode, we’re unpacking Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) - It’s the “the second it becomes a have to, my brain says hell no” feeling, you might experience… I can decide myself to clean the kitchen & feel fine. But if my partner asks me, suddenly it’s a whole thing!We’ll chat about:What PDA is & how it’s driven by anxiety & a need for autonomy, not laziness or being difficult.How PDA can show up in adults with ADHD, from ignoring texts to melting down over “simple” tasksWhy your nervous system treats everyday demands like threats, even when they’re self-care or funThe key difference between PDA & ODD (and how the why behind behaviour matters)3 Practical ways to make demands feel smaller & safer, increase your sense of choice,& support your nervous system instead of bullying yourself into actionIf you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I fight even the things I want to do?”, this episode is for you my friend.LINKS TO GOOD SH*T:*Join Adulting with ADHD your ADHD toolbox & everything you need to work with your brain*Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket! + the ADHD Goal Setting Workbook (life planner tool)*12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD*Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List*Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena*Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our Facebook Community *Come hang out with me on Instagram!
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In this episode, we’re unpacking Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) - It’s the “the second it becomes a have to, my brain says hell no” feeling, you might experience… I can decide myself to clean the kitchen & feel fine. But if my partner asks me, suddenly it’s a whole thing! We’ll chat about: What PDA is & how it’s driven by anxiety & a need for autonomy, not laziness or being difficult.How PDA can show up in adults with ADHD, from ignoring texts to melting down over “si...
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#154 Don’t Tell Me What To Do: ADHD, PDA & The Demand-Avoidant Brain
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