Demand Avoidance in Autism and Eating Disorders
Demand avoidance can be one of the most misunderstood aspects of autism, especially when it intersects with eating disorders. What may seem like defiance or resistance is often an attempt to preserve autonomy and regain a sense of safety. In this episode, I’ll be breaking down what Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) really is, how it impacts eating behaviors, and why reframing our approach can make all the difference in supporting recovery.
You'll learn:
What PDA is and why it’s better understood as a Pervasive Drive for Autonomy
How food and eating can feel like demands for someone with PDA
Why traditional eating disorder treatments often backfire for individuals with PDA
Simple language shifts to create PDA-friendly communication
Practical strategies for creating a supportive and autonomy-affirming environment
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🌈 My memoir of Autism and Anorexia: https://www.livlabelfree.com/rainbowgirl
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