10/05/2023
Happy PDA Day (10th May 2023).
PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance, which is a neurological difference where our brains see any action we try to take as a danger that we must avoid at any cost.
We end up avoiding everyday activities like getting dressed, tidying up, going out, as well as things we want to do like hobbies, as well as internal needs such as needing to eat and use the toilet.
We avoid in a variety of ways, from outright refusal or procrastination, to physically fighting, running away or breaking down emotionally.
The PanDA is the PDA mascot because pandas, like PDAers, need a unique environment in order to thrive.
When our environment is adapted to meet our needs, we PDAers are better able to manage the activities we need and want to do.
This means reducing unnecessary demands, changing the way demands are presented so they appear less of a threat to us, respecting our autonomy, giving us control over our environment and lives, and giving us time and space to do what we can when we can.
We PDAers are able to do far more when others around us understand that we can't help not being able to do things.
We don't avoid stuff because we want to, and it's certainly not a choice nor deliberate. Our brain literally prevents us from doing things.
We can have a lot of anxiety, we can struggle with rejection sensitivity and fear of the unknown, we might have a strong need for control, and we may have low self-esteem.
PDA is a disability that affects our whole lives. Many of us cannot cope in education or work, and struggle to manage relationships and friendships too.
The things we want to do can often be harder for us to manage. Pressure from outside and having things like time restraints and no escape routes can make things harder for us.
When we feel trapped, overwhelmed, anxious or stressed, we may react in extreme ways. This is because our brain sees the situation as life threatening and is trying to protect us from this danger.
We need support and understanding from those around us.
It's not easy being PDA, but things are better when people recognise our disability and adapt accordingly.
Today is PDA Day, and this week is PDA Action Week.
Now is a great time to learn more about PDA and help make the world a better place for all of us.
The PDA Society website has some great information and resources available.
