Creating Low-Demand Environments

We are all presented with numerous demands on a daily basis; many we are easily able to meet, others we would rather avoid. This is a natural human behaviour.

From being asked to complete a task at work and fulfilling our responsibilities at home, to following instructions or rotas and adhering to societal expectations, we are usually able to manage the demands that are made of us. Some demands are external, while others are internal and relate to things we actually want to do, like seeing friends.

While demands are an integral, unavoidable part of everyday life, for some children, young people and adults, demands of any kind can instigate overwhelming feelings of anxiety, distress and panic.

What is demand avoidance?

Demand avoidance describes a situation where an individual finds it difficult, or in some cases impossible, to meet the demands made of them, and, as a result, may engage in a range of anxious behaviours.

The degree of distress experienced by individuals can vary significantly depending on the nature of the demand, and the emotional state of the child, young person or adult.

While anyone can find it difficult when they feel demands are put on them, some autistic people may find perceived demands particularly difficult as they can cause feelings of anxiety and sensory overwhelm, involve transitioning to other activities, or disrupt well-established routines.

What about PDA?

In recent years, the term ‘pathological demand avoidance’ (PDA) has become more frequently used in services, although it remains a contentious term for many. There is no formal diagnosis for PDA, and more research is needed.

While some practitioners use PDA as a ‘catch-all’ term to describe demand avoidant behaviour, others may refer to someone as having a ‘demand-avoidant profile’.

Behaviours associated with demand avoidance

Demand avoidance is sometimes misunderstood as a deliberate choice. Outwardly, it can appear to be intentional. Sometimes we can inadvertently add more pressure, increasing an individual’s anxiety.

When an individual is struggling with a demand that is being made of them, their response can vary widely in intensity.

Initial, less intense behaviours can include:

• Distraction, by changing the subject, or diverting attention
• Giving reasons why they cannot fulfil the demand
• Procrastination and delay
• Unequivocal refusal
• Withdrawing from a conversation
• Retreating into a ‘fantasy world’, or engaging in role-play
• Repeated or increased demands can lead to a rapid increase in anxiety and panic, which can cause an escalation in behaviour. This is not deliberate, but is instead an automatic ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response.

More intense behaviours can include:

• Attempting to take control of the situation
• Physical or verbal aggression
• Running away
• Completely shutting down
• Self-harm

When we see an individual who is engaging in demand avoidant behaviour, we need to look past the behaviour itself, consider what is driving it, and decide on the best supports for that person.

How to create low-demand environments

We cannot remove all demands from everyday life; there will always be things that we need to do, individually and collectively, to stay safe, happy, healthy and regulated.

However, if we are supporting children, young people and adults who struggle with meeting demands, there are steps we can take to create low-demand environments. This can help to reduce levels of anxiety, stress and overwhelm, and ensure that they are equipped with the tools they need to thrive.

1: Foster a feeling of control
Often, at the root of demand avoidant behaviour is a feeling of powerlessness and lack of control. Individuals can feel as though they do not have agency or autonomy over what happens to them.

Presenting simple, authentic choices in one way of handing over control: ‘Would you like to go outside or to the nurture room?’ or, ‘Would you like a snack or a drink?’. Letting individuals choose the order in which they do things can also be helpful: ‘Would you like to get dressed or brush your teeth first?’

Avoiding ultimatums and limiting the number of options ensures that individuals do not become overwhelmed, while also allowing us a degree of control over the outcome. And, of course, we need to be satisfied with whichever option a person selects.

2: Establish clear communication
An effective way to create a low-demand environment is through establishing clear communication channels with the people we support.

Through effective, two-way communication, we can articulate expectations and boundaries clearly, and tune into individuals’ responses. To do this, we need to consider different communication needs and preferences. For example, using visual timetables, ‘now and next’ boards, and social stories can help individuals to prepare for an upcoming demand, and understand what is happening. This can reduce levels of stress and anxiety and make demands easier to manage.

3: Consider our language
Sometimes, the way we phrase a demand can make a difference to how it is interpreted. Presenting complex, lengthy instructions or using phrases like, ‘You must…’ or ‘You need to…’ can instigate feelings of panic and resistance.

Instead, we can disguise demands to make them less overwhelming by wording them indirectly: ‘Would you mind…’, ‘If you’re happy to…’ and ‘How about we…’. Using ‘we’, rather than ‘you’ can nurture a sense of collaboration and togetherness, helping the individual to feel supported by us.

We can reduce perceived demands further still by referring to an object rather than what we would like the individual to do with it, for example saying, ‘The door is open,’ rather than, ‘Please close the door.’

4: Build strong relationships
Strong relationships, built on mutual trust and respect, can make it easier to work together with individuals to find solutions, and perhaps reach a reasonable compromise around a demand.

Rather than getting caught up in a power struggle, where we need the other person to comply with a demand, we can use our knowledge of them to consider whether, in the first instance, the demand is important, and if so, how to support them to meet that demand.

When we know an individual well, we can tune into their body language, recognise their baseline behaviour, and intervene early if we see that their level of anxiety is rising. This then allows us to modify our approach, involving the individual in our decision-making to ensure a successful outcome. For example, if the person we are supporting has sensory needs which are preventing them from meeting a demand, we can address those needs first.

5: Reflect on how we may be affecting the environment
It can sometimes be easy to overlook what we might be bringing to a situation, and how our own demeanour, attitude and body language may be impacting the environment. Are we in a rush? Are we feeling heightened? Are we focused on a particular outcome? Are we being rigid in our thinking?

Stepping back, pausing, and reflecting on the part we might be playing can help us to consider ways to create a low-demand environment. If appropriate, we can use humour to decrease the intensity of the demand; we can show flexibility and patience with the individual; we can be calm and compassionate; and we can accept that some demands cannot be met.

Empowering individuals

Demand avoidance is not a deliberate choice. It is an anxiety-driven behaviour that renders individuals unable to meet the demands made of them on a daily basis.

By looking beyond the behaviour itself, we can explore the underlying causes, and together with the individuals we support, build low-demand environments where they are equipped with the tools they need to manage necessary demands.

If you’d like to talk to us about your needs when it comes to supporting behaviour in your setting, please get in touch any time.