PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance, which is a pattern of behavior in which individuals, most often those with autism, go to extremes to ignore or avoid anything they perceive as a demand. PDA is most often seen in kids, but it can also be present in adults. People with PDA tend to have an adverse reaction to being told how to behave or what to do, even when it’s something that’s an ordinary part of their daily life, and even when it would benefit them. It’s called pathological when the avoidance is extreme and interferes with functioning at home or at school. PDA is a complex, challenging, and misunderstood condition that is often ignored or not even recognized by many professionals. The core features of PDA include resistance to demands, social manipulation, normal eye contact, and excessive role-playing. PDA is not a choice and is lifelong, and it can become more manageable with understanding, helpful approaches from others, and finding self-coping and coping strategies.