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ATScientists were busy arguing whether PDA even exists.
Meanwhile, you were at home trying behavior charts, reward systems, and stricter consequences — and being told to try harder when none of it worked.
Nobody was studying what *actually* helps PDA families. Scientifically. In a peer-reviewed journal.
Until now. 👩💻
In 2025, researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School published the first-ever peer-reviewed study on a parent support program designed specifically for families of PDA children and teens.
Here’s what they found:
→ 85% of enrolled parents completed the full 12-week program
→ Statistically significant improvements in 10 of 13 parent health measures — including anxiety, depression, stress, anger, sleep, and caregiver strain
→ Significant reduction in demand avoidance behaviors in children
→ 90% of parents reported improved mental health, greater confidence, and a better relationship with their child
→ 81% said their connection with their child improved
These weren’t only self-reported impressions. They were also measured using PROMIS, Neuro-QoL, and NIH Toolbox — the same validated clinical instruments used in major medical trials.
The research just caught up to what you already knew.
💬 Comment SCIENCE and we’ll DM you a link to the full study.
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📄 Full citation: Carlozzi, N. E., Lombard, W. L., Troost, J. P., Graves, C. M., Miner, J. A., Fauser, A. T., & Ehrlich, C. (2025). A comprehensive parent training program for parents of neurodivergent children with pathological demand avoidance: The Paradigm Shift Program® Pilot Study. Pediatric Investigation. DOI: 10.1002/ped4.70028
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#pda #pathologicaldemandavoidance #pdaparenting #neurodivergentparenting #pdamom
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