Pathological Demand Avoidance Awareness

That the Parliament welcomes Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Awareness Day, which takes place on 15 May 2019 and highlights one of the many profiles that fall under the autism spectrum; notes that this year’s theme is “Improving Outcomes”, which focuses on celebrating the achievements since the publication of the report, Being Misunderstood, and improving understanding of PDA; recognises that PDA is a distinct form of autism, characterised predominantly by severe anxiety in people when demands are placed on them, as well social communication and interaction difficulties; acknowledges that the action day is organised by the PDA Society, which is a charity formed in 2016 that is run by parents of children with PDA and which supports approximately 125 adults and health/education professionals each month; applauds the work of the society, which is inviting everyone to make a "PDA pledge" committing to raising awareness and acceptance of PDA, and hopes that everyone will mark this day by having a discussion about PDA or planning a fundraising event.