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Welcome to the Attention Deficit Disorder Expert Podcast Series by Attitude Magazine.

I'm Annie Rogers, and on behalf of the Attitude team, I am delighted to welcome you to today's

ADHD expert's presentation titled, Don't Tell Me What to Do, Pathological Demand Avoidance in Neurodivergent Kids.

Leading today's presentation is Diane Gold.

Diane is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder, an executive director of PDA North America.

She co-authored with Ruth Fiddler, the book Navigating PDA in America,

which was published in June 24. In April 2024, Diane was diagnosed as autistic. She has a

private practice in the Chicago area where she serves neurodivergent children, adults, and their families.

For the last 40 plus years, she has worked for both private agencies and school systems.

And we're here today to discuss pathological demand avoidance or PDA.

Children, teens, and young adults with PDA exhibit a strong desire

for autonomy and are extremely sensitive to real or perceived demands. They may refuse to do

a homework assignment just because you reminded them that it's due tomorrow or rack up an

...