Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA): Educational Considerations
Location
Boston 1
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
In this presentation, I will review the diagnosis of Pathological Demand Avoidance, or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA), and how children with PDA characteristics function in structured learning environments, specifically traditional school settings. Educational considerations will be considered, including creating supportive classroom environments, establishing rapport with children, and providing children with opportunities of choice, all of which have been shown to help children with PDA succeed in educational settings. The majority of children with PDA will experience school refusal at some point, and many require alternative educational arrangements, such as one-on-one support at school or even homeschool, which will also be discussed.
Keywords
Pathological Demand Avoidance, Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, K-12, Academic Success
Professional Bio
Dr. Judy Orton Grissett is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Georgia Southwestern State University. She teaches courses in counseling and psychopathology and serves as the departmental internship coordinator.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Grissett, Judy O., "Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA): Educational Considerations" (2026). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 80.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2026/2026/80
Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA): Educational Considerations
Boston 1
In this presentation, I will review the diagnosis of Pathological Demand Avoidance, or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA), and how children with PDA characteristics function in structured learning environments, specifically traditional school settings. Educational considerations will be considered, including creating supportive classroom environments, establishing rapport with children, and providing children with opportunities of choice, all of which have been shown to help children with PDA succeed in educational settings. The majority of children with PDA will experience school refusal at some point, and many require alternative educational arrangements, such as one-on-one support at school or even homeschool, which will also be discussed.
