The educational experiences of autistic children with and without extreme demand avoidance behaviours

Extreme demand avoidance (EDA) is increasingly described as part of the autism spectrum and sometimes diagnosed Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Yet little known, about educational experiences children with without EDA behaviours. Using an online survey collecting both quantitative qualitative data, 211 parents reported on school their autistic children. 57 had a child additional diagnosis PDA (AUT-PDA); 91 no but, according to parent report, displayed behaviours (AUT-EDA); 63 neither nor (AUT). Results demonstrated that there were few group differences in terms frequency failed placements exclusions. However, AUT-EDA/-PDA groups higher levels behaviour challenges, which particularly high those diagnosis. There significant exclusions, but fact these occurred across all concern. Qualitative results suggested overwhelmingly negative for especially AUT-EDA AUT-PDA groups. Parents attributed such misunderstanding children’s diagnoses lack targeted support.