Mary Bird, OTR/L
Children and Youth | Audience Level: Intermediate
This session explores how occupational therapists can support individuals with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), an autism profile characterized by an anxiety-driven need to resist everyday demands. Attendees will learn to recognize sensory sensitivities and regulation needs, and to build client confidence through flexible, low-pressure strategies rather than compliance-based approaches. Key adaptations include offering choice and autonomy in daily and academic activities, using sensory-informed strategies to reduce anxiety, providing alternatives to verbal communication such as drawing, play, or visuals, and allowing child-led sessions with flexible expectations and a curious, non-confrontational approach. The session also covers how to support parents in adjusting expectations and avoiding demand escalation, focusing throughout on client strengths and interests rather than deficits. Attendees will leave equipped to serve as a bridge between therapeutic support and everyday life for PDAers and their families.