A Psychologist’s Guide to Recognizing Pathological Demand Avoidance

In this compelling episode of The Self Careapist Podcast, Dr. Maylin Griffiths, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Arizona Pediatric Assessment Center, joins Lorain Moorehead, LCSW, to demystify the misunderstood profile of Pathological Demand Avoidance/ Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA).Dr. Griffiths explains how PDA often hides behind misdiagnoses like ODD or ADHD and share actionable tips for therapists conducting assessments and collaborating with school systems. She emphasizes the role of curiosity in assessments and valuable resources for clinicians and families.Notes:Curiosity drives effective assessment practices.Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a unique profile that requires specific strategies.Social strategies can be misinterpreted as manipulative behavior.Strengths of PDA kids include creativity and leadership skills.Collaboration among professionals is vital for comprehensive assessments.Shift from “manipulation” to “equalizing” when thinking about client behaviorLinks:Arizona Pediatric Assessment CenterNavigating PDA in AmericaPDA North AmericaChapters:00:00 Introduction to Assessment in Psychology02:57 The Role of Assessments in Therapy06:05 Understanding ODD and ADHD08:56 Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)12:00 Key Components of PDA14:58 Social Strategies and Coping Mechanisms18:09 The Impact of Autonomy on Behavior20:43 Role-Playing and Social Strategies23:43 Fixation and Its Effects25:46 Understanding PDA and Autism Profiles28:23 Navigating Social Dynamics and Self-Identification30:09 Strategies for Effective Communication36:13 Managing Demands and Autonomy39:24 The Role of Sensory Sensitivities44:15 Strengths and Unique Abilities of PDA Kids45:46 Resources for Clinicians and Families47:45 The Importance of Collaborative AssessmentsContinuing Education: Many episodes offer a free CEU for licensure in Arizona through the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Content is relevant for continuing education across LCSW, LMHC, LPC, LMFT, NCC, NBCC, and psychology licensure.Subscribe and leave a review — it helps other therapists find the show.The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice.  With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor  in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your personal curriculum here!If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource.  See you next week!