SLP 339: PDA vs. ODD: A Guide to Supporting Pathological Demand Avoidance in Schools

About this episode

This episode discusses the differences between Pathological Demand Avoidance and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, providing practical strategies for support in educational settings.

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ PDA vs ODD: PDA is autism-based; ODD recognizes authority. ✅ Authenticity Essential: PDA individuals instantly detect false or inauthentic behavior. ✅ Real Choices: Offer exactly two options, never open-ended. ✅ Structure Plus Autonomy: Combine routine with freedom like holidays. ✅ Shared Demands: Working together halves perceived anxiety and demands. ✅ Fresh Daily Starts: Each day deserves a clean slate. ✅ Emotional Honesty: Model feeling words and processing aloud. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/pda-odd-difference Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

People in this episode

Host: Sue Larkey

Topics covered

• Pathological Demand Avoidance
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Autism
• Education Strategies
• Emotional Honesty
• Support in Schools

Keywords

• PDA
• ODD
• autism
• education
• support strategies
• emotional honesty
• school
• anxiety
• routine
• choices

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Facebook, Neurodiversity Network, Instagram, suelarkey.com.au, elearning.suelarkey.com.au

More episodes of Sue Larkey Podcast - Autism (ASD), ADHD, ODD and PDA education

• SLP 342: What Is AuDHD and RSD? Understanding the Overlap Between Autism and ADHD · May 4, 2026 · 34 min
• SLP 341: A Teacher's Guide to AuDHD Girls: Shutdowns, Perfectionism, and the Veneer of Coping · April 27, 2026 · 37 min
• SLP 340: The Five-Step Meltdown De-escalation Framework Every Educator Needs: What to do Before, During and After · April 20, 2026 · 34 min
• SLP 338: Why Choice Making is so hard for Neurodiverse Children and What To Do (AS, ADHD, PDA, AuDHD) · March 23, 2026 · 29 min
• SLP 337: Autism + Environment = Outcome: How to Recognise and Support Executive Functioning Struggles in Neurodivergent Students · March 16, 2026 · 36 min
• SLP 336: Executive Functioning Challenges Looks like Defiance: Why and How to Building Executive Functioning in Neurodiverse Students · March 9, 2026 · 35 min