Pathological Demand
Avoidance Syndrome (PDA) is a pervasive developmental disorder. and
is related to, but not the same as Autism
and Asperger Syndrome. Individuals
with PDA are typically socially manipulative with people, and therefore
superficially socially skilled, which sets them apart from Autism
and Asperger Syndrome
The most central
characteristic of people who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
is their obvious and obsessional avoidance of the ordinary demands
of everyday life. People with PDA lack a clear and defined sense of
self, and hence do not view themselves as being responsible for their
actions.
Therefore, the
person with PDA is highly motivated to avoid demands and is so able
in this domain that they may even appear manipulative, as a variety
of strategies are used with such determination toward the desired
outcome of escaping demands.
Passive Early History in first year,
Continues
to resist and avoid ordinary demands of life,
Surface
sociability, but apparent lack of sense of social identity, pride
or shame.
Lability
of Mood, impulsive, led by need to control.
Comfortable
in role play and pretending.
Language delay, seems result of passivity.
Obsessive
behaviour.
Associated
Features:
See
Autism & Aspegers Syndrome
Differential
Diagnosis
Some disorders have similar symptoms. The clinician, therefore, in
his diagnostic attempt has to differentiate against the following
disorders which need to be ruled out to establish a precise diagnosis.
Autism
Asperger Syndrome
Cause:
As in all pervasive developmental
disorders, the underlying cause of PDA is believed to be organic brain
dysfunction with genetic factors. A provisional diagnosis is possible
before the age of four, but diagnosis is more difficult than in autism
because the child usually shows more social interest, more normal
language development and better imaginative play by four or five than
autistic children do.
Treatment:
Autism & Aspeger's
Syndrome
