Behind the Behavior: Stigma, Misunderstanding, and the Emerging Profile of Pathological Demand Avoidance

• By: Jennifer “Jenna” Glenn, MEd Grace and Grit Life Coaching
• July 9th, 2025
• education, neurodiversity, pathological demand avoidance, school, stigma, Summer 2025 Issue
• 2500    0

“Stigma is the process by which the reaction of others spoils normal identity.” - Erving Goffman When a child resists instruction, lashes out under pressure, or refuses school altogether, the dominant narrative still points toward oppositional defiance, behavioral reinforcement systems, or a...