Autism: Demand avoidance in children and young people

This page explains the position of Bath, North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) on the term pathological demand avoidance.

Position on the term pathological demand avoidance

Professionals in Bath, North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) do not use the term pathological demand avoidance (PDA).

This is because it is not recognised in the current international diagnostic classifications used by clinicians. These include ICD-10, ICD-11, which is in draft, and DSM-5.

The position statement was coproduced with professionals and parent carer forums across the BSW ICB partnership.

Read the position statement

Pathological demand avoidance position statement (PDF)

Information and support

The next page below give key information about demand avoidance. They also include helpful approaches and strategies from the PDA Society to support you and your young person.

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