Cloudy Communications

29/05/2026

For a PDAer, even the simplest everyday instructions, like eating or getting dressed, can feel overwhelmingly impossible. It's not a matter of unwillingness or defiance but rather an intense, uncontrollable anxiety that creates an insurmountable barrier to following through with demands, no matter how trivial they may seem to others.”
- Clinical Psychologist
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile seen in some autistic individuals, where everyday demands and expectations trigger extreme anxiety and an overwhelming need to avoid them. This avoidance is not due to laziness or defiance but stems from a deep-seated anxiety that makes even simple tasks, like eating or getting dressed, feel impossible to accomplish. When we recognise that those with PDA need patience, understanding, and tailored approaches, we can then start to reduce their anxiety and help them manage daily tasks.
While we have used the term PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) due to its widespread recognition, we acknowledge other terms, such as Extreme Demand Avoidance (EDA) or Persistent Demand Avoidance (PDA).
Where to from here:
If you are new to PDA and wish to know more, we recommend attending our three-hour upcoming live webcast, PDA: An Introduction. On the same day, we will present a second three-hour course that assumes knowledge about PDA and explores a deeper understanding of the profile, strategies, and support: PDA Going Deeper. We hope you can join us.

https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/products/webcast-pda-and-autism-an-introduction-25th-july-2025
https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/products/webcast-pda-and-autism-going-deeper-25th-july-2025

29/05/2026

In our first episode, Guy is joined by Tony Attwood, a clinical psychologist with 50 years’ experience, to share five practical foundations for supporting au...

14/05/2026

"Your eyes pulled me away from your voice."

This quote encapsulates the unique experience of eye contact for autistic individuals, shedding light on why this seemingly simple social norm can be challenging and overwhelming for them. Unlike in the neurotypical world, where eye contact is often considered a marker of attentiveness and engagement, the realm of eye contact for autistic people is multifaceted and laden with complex sensory and cognitive implications.

Making and maintaining eye contact is a natural part of communication for non-autistic individuals. It establishes a connection, conveys interest, and helps interpret the emotions of the person they're interacting with. However, for many autistic individuals, eye contact can be a source of sensory overload and cognitive distraction, as the quote suggests. The phrase "Your eyes pulled me away from your voice" encapsulates the often-intense sensory experience that accompanies attempts to engage in eye contact.

Autistic individuals frequently process sensory stimuli differently, and this extends to visual input. Gazing into someone's eyes while simultaneously listening to their voice can lead to an overwhelming sensory conflict. The subtle yet intricate movements of the eyes, the unspoken nuances conveyed by their expression, and the need to process both auditory and visual cues can be a demanding task. This division of attention can result in an inability to fully concentrate on the spoken words or, as the quote implies, being "pulled away" from the intended conversation. It's like trying to focus on two intricate paintings at once, both demanding attention and interpretation.

Furthermore, the social implications of eye contact for autistic individuals can contribute to the challenge. Many non-autistic people interpret a lack of eye contact as a sign of disinterest or dishonesty, which can lead to misunderstandings and misjudgements in social interactions. This societal pressure to conform to neurotypical standards of communication adds an extra layer of stress and anxiety for autistic individuals, potentially exacerbating their sensory discomfort.

In this context, the quote beautifully illustrates how for some autistic individuals, the act of attempting eye contact can disrupt the natural flow of communication. It's not that they lack the desire to connect or engage, but rather that their neurological wiring processes the sensory and social aspects of eye contact in a unique way. The struggle with eye contact is not a reflection of their engagement or emotional investment, but a reflection of the intricate interplay between sensory processing, cognitive load, and social expectations.

To foster better understanding and communication, it's essential to recognise that the challenges autistic individuals face with eye contact are not a choice or a lack of effort, but rather a consequence of their neurodivergent experiences. Just as one might respect someone's dietary preferences or cultural sensitivities, acknowledging and accommodating these differences in communication can lead to more genuine connections and meaningful interactions for everyone involved.

https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/

** The information in this post is from peer-reviewed research and the perspectives and experiences of many autistic individuals from clinical experience and communications and may not apply to each person.

01/04/2026

Today is World Autism Awareness Day.

This year’s theme ‘Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value’ highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all Autistic people.

Tonight, key buildings across Adelaide will light up in support of the autism community.

The Office for Autism has also launched a new eLearning program to help build connection, belonging and understanding of autism. Find out more and access the free online training here: https://www.officeforautism.sa.gov.au/

08/03/2026

Could be interesting

Only 24 days to go.. not that we’re counting 😉

It’s completely free to attend, but you must register! www.illumelearning.com.au/events

05/02/2026

Very informative

Join us at the Mount Barker Community Disability Expo hosted by The Disability Events Community.

25/08/2025

Now Free In Australia

19/08/2025

Another client request finished.

28/05/2025

Yellow Ladybugs is a non-government organisation, dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals.