When exploring autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), you might also come across the term RSD, or Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. The overlap can feel confusing, especially when you’re already navigating daily challenges at home or school. In this guide, we explore what RSD is, how it might show up in daily life, and what you can do to support your child through on their journey forward.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a behavioural profile on the autism spectrum, marked by an intense need to avoid everyday demands. Children with PDA aren’t being difficult – they’re responding to deep, persistent anxiety that makes them feel unsafe. This guide helps parents and carers understand how PDA presents, why traditional strategies often fall short, and what the path to assessment and diagnosis looks like with the right support.
Think Psychologists Director Dr Nicole Carvill was recently featured on the Moments in Mind podcast by Pearson Clinical. In this episode, Nicole reflects on her journey into paediatric psychology, sharing how her personal experiences shape her approach to assessments and family support. Whether you're a professional or a parent, her insights offer practical and heartfelt guidance for helping children thrive.
Children with PDA often experience everyday demands as threats to their sense of safety. When they’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, even well-meaning words can feel like too much. Low-demand language is a gentle, flexible way of communicating that helps reduce stress, support regulation, and rebuild connection. In this article, Psychologist Dr Nicole Carvill and Speech Pathologist Dr Caitlin Jolly share what low-demand language is, why it works, and how to use it effectively at home, in therapy, or at school.
In families raising neurodivergent children, siblings often quietly shoulder complex emotions—fierce love, deep loyalty, and sometimes confusion or frustration. This blog gently explores their experiences, offering insight into what it feels like to grow up alongside a neurodivergent sibling. With reflections from the Think Psychologists team, it shares practical ways to honour these children’s needs and nurture their unique strengths, helping every child in the family feel seen, heard, and valued.
Hugh Van Cuylenburg’s open letter to parents of autistic children is not only deeply moving and profoundly honest, but also quite confronting. For many, it resonated. But for others, it was hard—maybe even impossible—to watch. Because the journey of supporting a neurodiverse child is one of immense love and joy, but also challenge, heartache, and uncertainty.
Getting to school each day can be difficult for many children, but it can be especially challenging for kids living with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and their carers. This daily struggle can impact the wellbeing of the entire family. Here is how you can help children with PDA feel seen, safe and supported throughout their schooling journey.
For many parents, the end of the school year signals balmy summer evenings, beachside getaways, a break in 8am sprints to sporting events and maybe the odd sleep-in. Yet, there are many other parents quietly nursing a sense of nervousness. For families with children navigating neurodivergence and PDA, managing the holidays can be a little more complex.
Starting school is a big milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter for children, their families and caregivers. From fun-filled orientations to shopping for supplies and getting dressed for the first day, the lead-up to school is a time of excitement and uncertainty, so it’s natural for everyone to feel a bit anxious. […]
Choosing a Psychologist to support you and your child as you navigate through the maze of parenting and child development can be tricky and a little daunting.
