Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Science

Your child has pathological demand avoidance? Here's what it means—and nine tips for what to do

For some children, everyday demands such as "brush your teeth" or "time to get off of your computer game," can trigger intense anxiety and extreme resistance. When this type of response affects everyday life, it may fit into the pattern of behavior known as pathological demand avoidance, or PDA.

Your child has pathological demand avoidance? Here's what it means—and nine tips for what to do
Image: Phys.org
For some children, everyday demands such as "brush your teeth" or "time to get off of your computer game," can trigger intense anxiety and extreme resistance. When this type of response affects everyday life, it may fit into the pattern of behavior known as pathological demand avoidance, or PDA.

Originally published at Phys.org

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