Practical Strategies to Respect PDA in Autistic Eating Disorder Recovery

In this episode of the Liv Label Free Podcast, Livia discusses demand avoidance in autism and how it can influence eating behaviors and eating disorder recovery. She explains what Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is, why basic needs like eating can sometimes feel like overwhelming demands, and how this can lead to avoidance around food and eating disorder treatment.

Livia also explores the shift from viewing PDA as “pathological” to understanding it as a Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, highlighting why language and perspective matter. Finally, she shares practical strategies for caregivers and individuals to support recovery in ways that respect autonomy, reduce pressure, and foster collaboration.

🌈 The Autistically ED-Free Academy is open! Save your seat here: www.livlabelfree.com/group
📚 Rainbow Girl: A Memoir of Autism and Anorexia: www.livlabelfree.com/rainbowgirl