{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/65b019e4994e430016aee94a/68a599e3352b565deb91a8a2?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Pathological Demand Avoidance: The Everyday Struggle You Can’t See","description":"<p>Struggling with everyday tasks as a neurodivergent adult? In this candid and insightful episode of <em>The Neurodivergent Experience</em>, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott unpack the lived reality of <strong>Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)</strong> — a form of demand sensitivity often misunderstood, dismissed, or mislabelled as laziness.</p><p>From dodging the dishwasher to putting off doctor’s appointments, and from procrastinating over paperwork to resisting even self-imposed goals, we explore:</p><ul><li>What PDA really is — and why the NHS still doesn’t formally recognise it</li><li>How demands (even ones we place on ourselves) trigger an instant “no” response</li><li>The link between PDA, trauma, anxiety, and the obsessive need for autonomy</li><li>Why even fun things can feel impossible once they become obligations</li><li>Practical examples: chores, eating, car washes, and the endless hurdle race of daily life</li><li>Partner strategies — how reframing demands as favours can unlock cooperation</li><li>Why small wins matter: celebrating every task completed as a genuine victory</li><li>How to create accommodations that turn mountains back into molehills</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Whether you’re living with PDA yourself, raising a neurodivergent child, or just want to understand why “simple” tasks aren’t simple at all, this conversation blends raw honesty, humour, and real-world strategies for navigating life when demand avoidance touches everything.</p><p><br></p><p>❤️ <strong>Support the Show</strong></p><p>If this episode resonated with you:</p><p>✅ Follow or Subscribe to <em>The Neurodivergent Experience</em></p><p>⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify</p><p>🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes</p><p><br></p><p>Our Sponsors:</p><p>🧘‍♀️ <em>Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork &amp; Hypnotherapy</em></p><ul><li>→ <a href=\"https://bit.ly/ashleynde\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://bit.ly/ashleynde</a></li></ul><p>🧠 <strong> </strong><a href=\"https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">RTN Mental Health Solutions</a> – Autism &amp; ADHD Assessments (UK)</p><ul><li>→ Use code <strong>RTN23</strong> for a discount when making your initial enquiry.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>🔗 <strong>Stay Connected</strong></p><ul><li>Instagram: <a href=\"https://instagram.com/theneurodivergentexperiencepod\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@theneurodivergentexperiencepod</a></li><li>Facebook: <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/theneurodivergentexperience\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The Neurodivergent Experience</a> &amp; <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/JoeJamesNeurodiversityawareness\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan's Facebook page</a></li><li>YouTube: <a href=\"https://youtube.com/@TheNeurodivergentExperience\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@TheNeurodivergentExperience</a></li><li>TikTok: <strong> </strong><a href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodivergentexperience\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@neurodivergentexperience</a></li></ul>","author_name":"Jordan James and Simon Scott"}