In this compelling episode of The Self Careapist Podcast, Dr. Maylin Griffiths, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Arizona Pediatric Assessment Center, joins Lorain Moorehead, LCSW, to demystify the misunderstood profile of Pathological Demand Avoidance/ Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA).

Dr. Griffiths explains how PDA often hides behind misdiagnoses like ODD or ADHD and share actionable tips for therapists conducting assessments and collaborating with school systems. She emphasizes the role of curiosity in assessments and valuable resources for clinicians and families.

Notes:

• Curiosity drives effective assessment practices.
• Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a unique profile that requires specific strategies.
• Social strategies can be misinterpreted as manipulative behavior.
• Strengths of PDA kids include creativity and leadership skills.
• Collaboration among professionals is vital for comprehensive assessments.
• Shift from “manipulation” to “equalizing” when thinking about client behavior

Links:

Arizona Pediatric Assessment Center

Navigating PDA in America

PDA North America

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Assessment in Psychology
02:57 The Role of Assessments in Therapy
06:05 Understanding ODD and ADHD
08:56 Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
12:00 Key Components of PDA
14:58 Social Strategies and Coping Mechanisms
18:09 The Impact of Autonomy on Behavior
20:43 Role-Playing and Social Strategies
23:43 Fixation and Its Effects
25:46 Understanding PDA and Autism Profiles
28:23 Navigating Social Dynamics and Self-Identification
30:09 Strategies for Effective Communication
36:13 Managing Demands and Autonomy
39:24 The Role of Sensory Sensitivities
44:15 Strengths and Unique Abilities of PDA Kids
45:46 Resources for Clinicians and Families
47:45 The Importance of Collaborative Assessments
The Self Careapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Lorain Moorehead Therapy and Consultation in Arizona where we specialize in High Achieving Professionals, EMDR, perinatal mental health, and clinical supervision. We cover therapeutic specialties with mental health professionals from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some futher learning opportunities, grab your learning map here!

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