A–Z Glossary

Demand Avoidance

Demand avoidance is a pattern of strong avoidance of everyday expectations and requests, often appearing anxiety-driven through distraction, excuses, negotiation, withdrawal, or escalation.

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Refusing simple requests: what may be behind the behavior

Refusing simple requests: what may be behind the behavior

Why a simple request may feel difficult Adults often judge a request by the task itself: picking up a toy, brushing teeth, putting on socks, or walking to the car. A child may experience the same request differently. The demand may require stopping a preferred activity, shifting attention, tolerating an unpleasant sensation, organizing several steps, […]