Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA) and Eating

Feeding a child with PDA can be unpredictable and overwhelming. One day they may happily eat a food, and the next day the same food is suddenly “too much or not safe” Meals can turn into power struggles, avoidance, shutdowns, or complete refusals—often leaving parents wondering what they’re doing wrong.

But here’s the truth:

You’re not doing anything wrong.

And your child isn’t being “difficult or naughty”.

Children with a PDA profile are navigating a nervous system that is wired to avoid perceived threats/demands. Even the ones they genuinely want to meet, like eating or using the bathroom can feel like a threat response.