Demand Avoidance can be one of the most challenging aspects of parenting an autistic child.

It’s a behavior rooted in anxiety and the need for control, rather than defiance or stubbornness.

Understanding the underlying causes of demand Avoidance can help parents and caregivers respond with compassion, flexibility, and strategies tailored to their child's unique needs.

Below are 25 ways to manage demand avoidance in autistic kids, supported by recent research and insights.

Maria von Franz, the Jungian analyst who danced with archetypes as gracefully as any pioneer waltzing into uncharted territory, had plenty to say about the American psyche.

She recognized its bold ambition, its restless energy, and its tendency to declare victory long before the work is done.

But, like any good therapist, she wasn’t afraid to point out where things had gone a little… off track.

Let’s dive into her take on the American character, sprinkle in some thoughts on cultural narcissism, and maybe throw in a wink or two at our collective foibles.

In my work with neurodiverse couples, I often encourage partners to dive deeply into understanding neurodiversity and relationships. It’s not just about learning diagnostic terms or theories but fostering a shared understanding that creates space for empathy, growth, and collaboration.

One term that has surfaced repeatedly in sessions with my neurotypical clients is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). For some, stumbling across the term has brought clarity, while for others, it’s raised even more questions.

Take one client, for instance, who shared this insight: “I read an article about PDA and started seeing some of my husband’s quirks in the description. It’s not the little things—like asking him to pick up milk—but the bigger issues, like communication and cooperation, where I feel this resistance.” This reaction is a common starting point for conversations about PDA in couples therapy.

What Is Pathological Demand Avoidance?

Peter Singer’s 1972 paper Famine, Affluence, and Morality provides a piercing critique of the moral complacency of affluent societies, yet its implications become even more striking when viewed through the lens of American Cultural Narcissism.

The United States, as a global economic and cultural powerhouse, represents a uniquely potent example of the challenges Singer identifies: the prioritization of individual desires over collective responsibility, the elevation of material success as a marker of personal worth, and the structural inertia that perpetuates global inequality.

By examining Singer’s argument within the framework of American cultural narcissism, it becomes clear that the deep-seated values of consumerism and individualism not only undermine the moral obligations Singer advocates but also create systemic barriers to addressing global suffering.

Demand avoidance, often seen in folks on the autism spectrum, can create challenges in romantic relationships, particularly when it is misunderstood or poorly managed.

Rooted in anxiety rather than defiance, this behavior reflects a deep need for autonomy, control, and emotional safety.

When misinterpreted, demand avoidance can lead to profound interpersonal misunderstandings, eroding trust and emotional intimacy between partners.

By exploring the root causes of demand avoidance and adopting research-backed strategies, couples can navigate these challenges with empathy, compassion, and mutual growth.

Adversity is a universal human experience, yet the way people narrate their struggles and triumphs varies profoundly across cultures.

A study published in the Journal of Personality & Social Psychology sheds light on this fascinating intersection of culture, storytelling, and psychological well-being.

Led by Ariana F. Turner and colleagues, the research explores how adults from Japan, Denmark, Israel, and the United States narrate difficult life events and how these narratives relate to their well-being.

This study adds depth to the concept of narrative identity, an evolving psychological framework that integrates past experiences with future aspirations to provide coherence and meaning to life.

While extensively explored in Western contexts, this research broadens the scope by examining cultural differences in narrative themes and their psychological implications.

When it comes to protecting your brain as you age, it seems grandma’s Mediterranean recipes are onto something—and not just for the flavor.

Recent research from the DIRECT PLUS trial, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that swapping out processed junk for a Mediterranean diet—particularly one supercharged with green tea and Mankai duckweed—might keep your brain younger and sharper. This isn't just about eating well; it’s about thinking well, too.

The bond between dogs and their owners has long been celebrated, and new research has uncovered yet another layer to this profound relationship.

A study published in Scientific Reports has found that dogs’ heart rate variability adapts to their owners’ during interactions, revealing a physiological connection that mirrors the emotional bond shared by the two.

This discovery sheds light on how deeply intertwined the lives of humans and their canine companions are, offering evidence that emotional states can be shared not only through behavior but also at a physiological level.

Our relationships are shaped not only by our individual histories but also by the culture we inhabit.

In an age of likes, shares, and follows, the pervasive need for external validation—what therapists call other-validated intimacy—extends far beyond personal relationships into the very fabric of our cultural identity.

To understand how this dynamic influences modern love, we need to explore the interplay between differentiation, other-validated intimacy, and Cultural Narcissism.

Esther Perel has become a towering figure in the modern discourse on relationships, celebrated for her incisive take on intimacy, desire, and betrayal.

Her ideas, presented in works like Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, resonate deeply with an American audience caught between the competing demands of individuality and connection.

Yet, as her ideas have penetrated the cultural psyche, they invite a robust critique that explores what her theories illuminate—and what they overlook—about the unique relational dynamics in America.

Depression’s impact goes far beyond the individual, often affecting the delicate bonds between mother and child.

Research published in Development and Psychopathology highlights how maternal depressive symptoms may influence toddlers’ emotional well-being through early interactions.

This study prompts us to consider how cultural norms, caregiving practices, and access to mental health resources affect the transmission of depressive tendencies across generations.

Love. The eternal human quest for connection, meaning, and someone to argue with over what’s for dinner.

While love styles and personality quirks can make romance feel like a comedy of errors, new research reveals just how much our “dark side” might shape our relationship status—and whether love has the power to smooth those rough edges.

Published in Heliyon, the study explores the interplay between the so-called “Dark Triad” personality traits—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—and love styles, offering a fresh look at why some people are happily coupled while others thrive solo.

It also begs the question: can love, especially from women, civilize even the most rogue among us?