Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children

The developmental disorder PDA is characterised by a continued resistance to everyday demands through strategies of social manipulation, which originate from an anxiety-driven need to be in control. This straightforward guide, written collaboratively by professionals and parents, gives a complete overview of the condition.

Phil Christie is Director of Sutherland House Children's Services and leads a team of consultant child psychologists at the Elizabeth Newson Centre, which carries out training and research activities and has particular expertise in PDA. He is also Associate Editor of Good Autism Practice, and became Chair of the Advisory Council of the Autism Education Trust in 2009. Margaret Duncan is a GP and is a parent to a child with PDA. She co-ordinates the PDA Contact Group (part of Contact a Family), an internet-based group providing information and support for parents and professionals. Ruth Fidler is Assistant Head Teacher at Sutherland House School where she has worked for 18 years. She has responsibility for using and developing approaches to promote the social and emotional well-being of pupils across the autism spectrum. She has contributed to publications in Good Autism Practice and regularly presents training for parents and professionals. Zara Healy is a parent of a child with PDA. She trained as a journalist and worked for the BBC for nearly a decade as a radio and television reporter.