Demand Avoidance in Autism and Eating Disorder Recovery

Demand avoidance can be one of the most misunderstood aspects of autism, especially when it intersects with eating disorders. What may seem like defiance or resistance is often an attempt to preserve autonomy and regain a sense of safety. In this episode, I’ll be breaking down what Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) really is, how it impacts eating behaviors, and why reframing our approach can make all the difference in supporting recovery.

You'll learn:

• What PDA is and why it’s better understood as a Pervasive Drive for Autonomy
• How food and eating can feel like demands for someone with PDA
• Why traditional eating disorder treatments often backfire for individuals with PDA
• Simple language shifts to create PDA-friendly communication
• Practical strategies for creating a supportive and autonomy-affirming environment

👉🏻 Enroll in the Autistically ED-Free Academy
🌈 Buy Rainbow Girl: A Memoir of Autism and Anorexia
🎧 In case you missed it: FBT for Autism and Eating Disorders

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📝 Read the blog post of this episode