Some kids avoid demands like Olympic athletes avoid carbs. Simple requests can spark direct refusals, negotiations, distractions, jokes, dramatic exits, or elaborate plot twists worthy of a Netflix series. But what if that “no” actually means “help”? This session explores Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), increasingly described as a Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. We’ll examine the complex reasons some children resist even the smallest requests. Anxiety, overwhelm, uncertainty, and past experiences can all shape avoidance behaviors. What looks like opposition is often a child’s attempt to regain a sense of safety and control. We’ll also explore how misunderstandings between neurodivergent children and neurotypical adults can fuel cycles of escalation, frustration, and relational strain. Expect new perspectives, practical tools, and a refreshing reframe that helps turn daily power struggles into opportunities for connection and collaboration.