Help going through a PDA diagnosis

My daughter is 7 and undergoing a diagnosis for pathological demand avoidance. We are in the early stages of diagnosis but that seems to be where it’s going. 

We are struggling so much.  Meltdowns when she’s crying and upset I can deal with but when they are triggered by her need to be in control we are struggling. It’s having such a detrimental affect on the entire family if she doesn’t want to do something. I’m not sure how to cope, the meltdowns are more a tirade  Of verbal abuse and smashing things up. At a bit of a loss!!! 

  • Hi NAS36936,

    I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling. Although it can be very difficult to manage behaviour in a child with PDA, there are a couple of things you might want to have a look at that could help. The NAS has a page here on the site about PDA  - http://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/pda.aspx - with information about the diagnostic process (which you may already know), the characteristics of PDA, what may cause meltdowns and so on. Also recommended is the PDA Society families page - https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/families - particularly the sections on 'managing meltdowns' and 'strategies to try at home'.

    I hope this will be of some help,

    Best wishes,

    Ross - mod