PDA-Informed Autism Assessments for Ages 8+

They describe the same profile. "Pathological demand avoidance" is the original term, introduced by researcher Elizabeth Newson in the 1980s. Many autistic people and affirming clinicians now prefer "pervasive drive for autonomy" (sometimes "persistent drive for autonomy"), which centers the underlying need for autonomy rather than framing it as pathology. All three are abbreviated PDA.

No. ODD is framed around defiant behavior. A PDA profile is driven by anxiety: everyday demands are experienced as a threat, and avoidance is a nervous system response rather than a choice to be difficult. The distinction matters because reward-and-consequence approaches used for ODD often make PDA worse.

Many adults with a PDA profile receive other diagnoses first, especially if they mask well. Sometimes those diagnoses are accurate and co-occur with autism; sometimes they describe the effects of an unrecognized autistic, PDA profile. Our evaluation considers your full history so you get an accurate picture.

Yes, ages 8 and up. Children and teens are assessed through our pediatric autism assessment service, using the same PDA-informed approach that respects their autonomy and supports school accommodations.

Yes. We offer telehealth as well as in-person appointments at our Vancouver, WA clinic. For many people with a PDA profile, being able to choose the format is part of what makes an assessment feel manageable.

PDA profiles are explored as part of our comprehensive autism assessment, which is $3,000 for children, teens, and adults. Our concierge in-home assessment is $5,000. We are out-of-network, provide superbills for potential reimbursement, and offer payment plans.