What's your PDA?

I don't think you can have a bit of PDA. That's like when people say they're a bit autistic. You either are or you aren't. I think there can be a bit of confusion between a level of demand avoidance (everyone does this at some point in life, some far more than others) and pathological demand avoidance that significantly affects functioning.

I don't think what you're describing sounds like PDA. PDA is likened to a panic attack when a demand is put Infront of the person. It is a difficulty following any kind of demand, even if it was something they like to do. Giving someone with PDA any kind of direct instruction can trigger a big reaction as it sends them into complete panic.

I think what you're describing is more in line with autism. Things like fashion often make no sense to people with autism (not for everyone, some will love it). I think because it's not logical. Why would I wear something because that's what other people have decided it's in. I'm with you on the next one - there has to be a purpose for doing things. I can't just go for a walk for example. I would need a reason/end goal for that walk. The last one I think probably comes down to a dislike of being pushed. I don't mind advertising so much but I hate pushy companies that send relentless flyers and emails etc.

Thanks for that,  Expecto_Patronum . I'm still trying to figure out all the bits and bobs. With AuDHD and possibly other letters, I get all muddled up about what traits fit where (and many are common to both). Apologies to anyone with PDA who thinks I might have been flippant. I am genuinely trying to figure out if PDA is something I have or not. Your opinion is "not" (and, yes, I know you're not trying to diagnose me either way; you're just providing a bit of guidance).

You reckon, then, this is more something to do with rigid, black-and-white thinking, or a non-pathological streak of autistic autonomy, then? (I don't think it's a trauma response, as I've always been like this.) I don't get the panic attack or meltdown experience most of the time. That said, I'm often to be found shouting or booing at advertisements and have had the occasional stand-off in public when something/one was wrong and I really didn't want to cooperate. Inside, I'd have a huge rush of adrenaline and rage (fight) and need to work hard to keep a lid on it. I just find it really hard to back down and calm down, though. Maybe those are just "normal" meltdowns due to triggering my "justice and fairness" trait.

I've been developing more of an understanding of the whole meltdown experience more recently. By observing myself in the moment, I seem to be now more likely to experience "flight" (remove myself from the stressors) than "fight" (try to resist the stressors). I guess a panic attack response is less dangerous than a rage response. A work in progress.

Thanks for that,  Expecto_Patronum . I'm still trying to figure out all the bits and bobs. With AuDHD and possibly other letters, I get all muddled up about what traits fit where (and many are common to both). Apologies to anyone with PDA who thinks I might have been flippant. I am genuinely trying to figure out if PDA is something I have or not. Your opinion is "not" (and, yes, I know you're not trying to diagnose me either way; you're just providing a bit of guidance).

You reckon, then, this is more something to do with rigid, black-and-white thinking, or a non-pathological streak of autistic autonomy, then? (I don't think it's a trauma response, as I've always been like this.) I don't get the panic attack or meltdown experience most of the time. That said, I'm often to be found shouting or booing at advertisements and have had the occasional stand-off in public when something/one was wrong and I really didn't want to cooperate. Inside, I'd have a huge rush of adrenaline and rage (fight) and need to work hard to keep a lid on it. I just find it really hard to back down and calm down, though. Maybe those are just "normal" meltdowns due to triggering my "justice and fairness" trait.

I've been developing more of an understanding of the whole meltdown experience more recently. By observing myself in the moment, I seem to be now more likely to experience "flight" (remove myself from the stressors) than "fight" (try to resist the stressors). I guess a panic attack response is less dangerous than a rage response. A work in progress.

No problem. I think we can all have a drive for autonomy sometimes. I find that sometimes I feel a need to be in control of a situation because so much of my life feels out of control. It is just the difference between it being in certain situations as opposed to someone telling you something as simple as to eat breakfast sending you into an absolute spin.

I think it does sound like what you're describing would be more likely down to rigid and black and white thinking and possibly your sense of justice.

If it were PDA you would (from my understanding) experience extreme feelings to pretty much all demands. 

It doesn't mean that people that haven't got PDA can't resist demands at times. But there's a big difference between resisting because it is something you don't like/want to do or because you've had a bad day and aren't in the mood, than it being because it is a demand.