Pathological Demand Avoidance: A Guide for Parents and Carers

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum where everyday demands can feel overwhelming and trigger extreme anxiety. Children with PDA aren’t being defiant by choice—their refusal to comply is a protective response to anxiety. This guide helps parents and carers understand how PDA presents, why traditional parenting strategies often fall short, and what the path to assessment and diagnosis looks like with the right support.

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How low-demand language can support children with PDA (and sensitive kids too)

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.

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Seen, heard and loved: Supporting siblings of neurodivergent children

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.

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Navigating the challenges and triumphs of neurodivergent parenting: A response to Hugh’s open letter

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.

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Navigating PDA and School Avoidance: How to Support Children and Families

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.

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Find the fun and own the chaos: A roadmap to planning holidays as a PDA parent

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.

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Starting School: A Guide for Parents and Carers

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. […]

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How to Choose a Psychologist for Your Child

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.

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Siblings of Children with a Disability: What Parents Need to Know

As parents, we’re constantly concerned with doing the best for our children; with the time, resources and energy we have. And as parents of a child with a disability, much of life is focussed on providing additional support to meet their needs.

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Executive Function: What Every Parent Should Know

I see that you’re frustrated. And I see that your child is too. You wish your child would just listen, follow through and complete their schoolwork; stop getting so distracted and stop over-reacting when things don’t go their way.

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