Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also known as Pervasive or Peristent Drive for Autonomy, is a hypothesized profile of Autism. It is characterized by extreme avoidance of demands due to a strong aversion to compliance rather than to the tasks themselves.

Common traits include:

• Resists and avoids the ordinary demands of life

• Uses social strategies as part of the avoidance

• Appears sociable on the surface, but lacking depth in understanding of complex social situations

• Experiences mood swings and impulsivity

• ‘Obsessive’ behavior, often focused on other people

• Appears comfortable in role play and pretend play, sometimes to an extreme extent (this feature is not always present)

  (PDA Society)