Bach Flower Remedies for PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)

At Mindful Remedies, we understand that everyone’s emotional world is different — and this is especially true for those who are neurodivergent. One profile within the autism spectrum that’s becoming more recognised is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also known as Pervasive Demand for Autonomy. People with PDA often experience intense anxiety when faced with everyday demands, and this can require a very different, more flexible approach to support.

What Is PDA?

PDA is a profile on the autism spectrum where the person feels an overwhelming need to avoid ordinary demands due to high levels of anxiety. This avoidance isn’t about being difficult or oppositional - it’s a deep, automatic response to a feeling of being unsafe or out of control.

Common experiences for someone with PDA might include:

• Feeling highly anxious when told what to do

• Needing autonomy and control to feel safe

• Finding transitions or expectations overwhelming

• Experiencing intense emotional reactions (sometimes called “meltdowns”)

Because of this, traditional structured approaches that work for some autistic individuals may increase anxiety for someone with PDA. Instead, a gentle, flexible and compassionate approach - one that prioritises emotional safety and autonomy - tends to be far more supportive.

Supporting PDA with Bach Flower Remedies

While Bach flower remedies don’t treat PDA or autism directly, they can be a natural, gentle way to support emotional wellbeing, particularly around anxiety, control, and emotional regulation.

Below are some Bach flower remedies for PDA that may offer support for common emotional patterns.

For Anxiety and Fear

Anxiety lies at the core of PDA, often driving the need to avoid demands or control situations. These three remedies can be particularly soothing:

• Rock Rose – for moments of panic or intense fear, when everything feels too much. Also helpful for nightmares.

• Mimulus – for known fears, such as fear of failure, confrontation, or being judged.

• Aspen – for vague or unexplained anxiety - moments of dread or unease that arise without a clear reason.

For Control, Overwhelm and Emotional Regulation

Many people with PDA feel safest when they’re in control - but this can sometimes lead to tension or conflict. The following remedies can help restore emotional balance:

• Vine – for those who feel the need to take charge or control others to feel secure. Encourages calm leadership and flexibility.

• Chicory – for when love or attention turns into possessiveness. Helps with continuing to care but maintaining that connection without control.

• Walnut – a beautiful remedy for sensitivity and protection. Supports those who feel easily influenced or overwhelmed by external energies (busy places, lots of people, noise...) and change - something many autistic and PDA individuals experience. It helps to create a sense of grounding.

• Cherry Plum – for the fear of losing control or feeling on the edge. Can be especially supportive during meltdowns, helping bring calm and release.

• Holly – for intense feelings of anger, frustration, violence or jealousy that can arise when misunderstood or overwhelmed. Also supportive during meltdowns to de-escalate these intense emotions and soften them.

A Personalised Approach

Every person with PDA is unique - so it’s important to find remedies that reflect your individual emotional needs. Some may benefit more from remedies for anxiety, others for sensitivity, control, or emotional outbursts.

At Mindful Remedies, you can create your own bespoke Bach flower blend, choosing up to seven remedies to support your personal emotional landscape. Or, if you’d prefer guidance, you can book a consultation to help you find the right combination for your needs.

You may also be interested in this blog post on Bach flower remedies for autism which includes a longer list of remedies for those not specifically with a PDA profile.

For those with a combined diagnosis with ADHD, this blog post on Bach flower remedies for ADHD may also be helpful.

Note, for children, we offer the option to have your remedy made with glycerine as an alternative to the traditional brandy preservative. Simply select this option when creating your blend.

Compassion and Understanding

Living with PDA - or supporting someone who has it - can be challenging, but also deeply rewarding. With compassion, patience, and understanding, it’s possible to create a calmer, more supportive environment.

Bach flower remedies can be a gentle support on this journey - helping to ease anxiety, reduce emotional overwhelm, and bring a greater sense of balance and self-trust.

You can explore all 38 flower remedies and create your own personalised blend using the link below.

create a personalised Bach flower remedy