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
