Demand avoidance, anxiety and the need for safety are the main themes of this printable PDA poster for children. It explains that PDA is a term used to describe extreme demand avoidance traits, where everyday expectations can feel overwhelming and may trigger a nervous system response rather than deliberate refusal.
The poster sets out key characteristics in a clear visual format, including extreme avoidance of demands, a need for control and choice, high anxiety, low tolerance, social strategies used to avoid tasks, appearing sociable while struggling internally, meltdowns or shutdowns, and recovery through time and connection. A separate section shows what PDA can look like in daily life, such as saying “no” to most things, arguing or negotiating, making jokes to avoid, needing reassurance, doing better with interest-led activities, and struggling more as children get older.
Practical PDA-friendly approaches are presented in short, easy-to-read panels. These include reducing demands, offering choice and control, being flexible, building connection first, using low-anxiety language, and following the child’s interests. The wording gives concrete examples, such as asking “Would you like some help?” rather than “You need to…”, making it useful for parents, carers, family support workers and school staff who need quick language shifts in real situations.
The poster also includes guidance on what not to do, such as avoiding threats, punishments, comparisons and too many questions. It balances this with what to do instead, including staying calm, offering choices rather than ultimatums, celebrating small wins, giving space to regulate and co-creating solutions. The central mantra, “Connection before correction”, makes the approach easy to remember during difficult moments.
Daily ideas at the bottom of the poster include visual timers, planning together, a safe space, interest time, recharge time and emotional check-ins. Families can place it on a fridge, practitioners can use it during parent sessions, and schools can use it as a staff reminder when supporting children with PDA profiles, autistic demand avoidance or anxiety-driven behaviour. Created by Edita Stiborova in 2026.
