Often parents who are raising kids with both PDA and OCD get conflicting advice. This can push a parent who is already stressed, over the edge. Are accommodations good or are they bad?

One set of advice talks about leaning into accommodations, while the other set says accommodations are something to eventually stop. The reality is PDA accommodations and OCD accommodations aren’t the same.

OCD accommodations are specifically talking about participating in a child’s OCD compulsions. Those are called accommodations. When we participate in our child’s OCD compulsions we are inadvertently growing their OCD and the OCD behavior will worsen. That is different from the PDA accommodations needed to give them a sense of autonomy while fostering a low-demand environment. That doesn’t mean PDA doesn’t bring another layer of struggle when it comes to addressing OCD symptoms - it does! But the use of the word accommodations have different meanings.

In this week’s AT Parenting Survival Podcast I explore the world of PDA and OCD and try to dispel any misunderstandings that exist when straddling both worlds.

PDA Resources:

PDA Society

Child Mind Institute: PDA

National Autistic Society: PDA

PDA North America

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This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to