Ep. 20 - Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) vs. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

In this episode, I outline the ways in which the description of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 overlaps with some of the surface-level indicators of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) or "Pervasive Drive for Autonomy." Although there are many things that look the same on the surface, if we dig deeper to discover the root cause of your child's behavior, you may realize that Oppositional Defiant Disorder isn't really an explanatory diagnostic category, while Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is. I also outline the five things that an Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) diagnosis doesn't explain: Internalized expressions of PDA (e.g. freeze/fawn) Trouble accessing basic needs (e.g. toileting indepedently, safety, eating, sleeping, or hygiene) Sensory Differences Social Communication Differences Need for constant undivided attention/coregulation Citations: "High Masking" term by Rachel Dorsey, Autistic SLP TILT Parenting Podcast Reference: Episode 154: Dr. Mona Delahooke on Looking Beyond Children's Challenging Behavior Beyond Behaviors by Mona Delahooke Body-Brain Parenting by Mona Delahooke To connect with me, find me here: Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube For more resources for parents, including #actuallyautistic pages to check out and a list of PDA-affirming practitioners in North America, check out the resources page at PDA Parents . For Courses, Programs, Coaching and Consulting, find me at At Peace Parents, LLC Thanks for listening! You are an amazing parent. xoxo, Casey