Suzanne Goh, M.D., is a prominent pediatric neurologist and advocate for understanding and supporting folks with autism.

Her work focuses on uncovering the neurobiological underpinnings of autism, emphasizing the need for individualized and compassionate care.

I’m a huge fan of her thinking, especially as applied to traditional family therapy models, such as Strategic and Structural family therapies.

In this post, I’ll offer a brief overview of her contributions and ideas on autism and family therapy.

Demand Avoidance can be one of the most challenging aspects of parenting an autistic child.

It’s a behavior rooted in anxiety and the need for control, rather than defiance or stubbornness.

Understanding the underlying causes of demand Avoidance can help parents and caregivers respond with compassion, flexibility, and strategies tailored to their child's unique needs.

Below are 25 ways to manage demand avoidance in autistic kids, supported by recent research and insights.

In my work with neurodiverse couples, I often encourage partners to dive deeply into understanding neurodiversity and relationships. It’s not just about learning diagnostic terms or theories but fostering a shared understanding that creates space for empathy, growth, and collaboration.

One term that has surfaced repeatedly in sessions with my neurotypical clients is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). For some, stumbling across the term has brought clarity, while for others, it’s raised even more questions.

Take one client, for instance, who shared this insight: “I read an article about PDA and started seeing some of my husband’s quirks in the description. It’s not the little things—like asking him to pick up milk—but the bigger issues, like communication and cooperation, where I feel this resistance.” This reaction is a common starting point for conversations about PDA in couples therapy.

What Is Pathological Demand Avoidance?

Demand avoidance, often seen in folks on the autism spectrum, can create challenges in romantic relationships, particularly when it is misunderstood or poorly managed.

Rooted in anxiety rather than defiance, this behavior reflects a deep need for autonomy, control, and emotional safety.

When misinterpreted, demand avoidance can lead to profound interpersonal misunderstandings, eroding trust and emotional intimacy between partners.

By exploring the root causes of demand avoidance and adopting research-backed strategies, couples can navigate these challenges with empathy, compassion, and mutual growth.

What if the way we explore the world wasn’t just a quirk of personality, but a hidden strength lying quietly in the folds of our cognitive makeup?

A recent study published in PLOS Computational Biology has just given us one of those “mind blown” moments that makes you rethink what you thought you knew.

Researchers have uncovered an intriguing link between autistic traits and curiosity-driven behaviors, showing how persistence, predictability, and a thirst for learning can create extraordinary outcomes.

If you’re not already fascinated, hang tight — this is where science meets humanity in the most inspiring way possible.

On January 2, 2025, Amazon implemented a new return-to-office (RTO) policy requiring corporate employees to work in the office five days a week, replacing the previous three-day hybrid model.

While the policy aims to foster collaboration and innovation, it has sparked significant pushback.

For neurodiverse employees—particularly those on the autism spectrum—this mandate represents more than an inconvenience; it challenges the principles of workplace inclusivity and raises questions about civil rights.

If you’ve been eyeing your toddler’s tablet time like it’s a ticking time bomb for their development, a new study has some reassuring news: early screen time doesn’t cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, initially hinted at a link between screen exposure and ASD but later found the real culprits to be lurking elsewhere—namely, socioeconomic factors.

Let’s dive into the details, sprinkle in some humor, and unpack what this means for families everywhere.

Autism and the Screen Time Panic: A Primer

Once upon a time, ADHD was seen as something affecting about 5–6% of kids, mostly the ones who couldn't sit still in class or remember to turn in their homework.

Fast forward to today, and the numbers are painting a different story.

The CDC estimates ADHD affects 11.4% of children, and in Sweden, 10.5% of boys and 6% of girls were diagnosed in 2022—a whopping 50% increase since 2019. Experts predict these numbers will keep climbing until they plateau around 15% for boys and 11% for girls.

So what’s going on? Is ADHD really spreading like pumpkin spice in autumn, or is something else at play?

Here are eight reasons ADHD diagnoses are skyrocketing—and they’re more interconnected than a messy ball of yarn.

If you’re rocking both autism and ADHD, welcome to the club where our brains throw the kind of dance party that’s equal parts jazz improv and dubstep chaos.

Having AudHD isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s a lifestyle.

And like any lifestyle worth living, it comes with its own quirks, superpowers, and the occasional “Wait, how do I work this brain?” existential crisis.

Let’s dive into the wonderfully contradictory world of AudHD traits.

In a move that feels straight out of a sci-fi flick, researchers from the U.K. have developed a machine-learning system to diagnose ADHD by analyzing people’s actions in video clips.

Yes, diagnosing a complex neurodevelopmental disorder now involves cameras, keypads, and a little AI magic—not quite Hollywood, but definitely groundbreaking.

Published in Neuroscience Applied, this study boasts a whopping 95.5% accuracy rate, leaving traditional methods like MRI and EEG scratching their metaphorical heads.

Both ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and dyslexia are notorious for their ability to derail school report cards and frustrate families.

ADHD, with its cocktail of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and an attention span that rivals a goldfish’s, can make organizing tasks feel like climbing Everest.

Dyslexia, on the other hand, causes persistent difficulties with reading, spelling, and writing, even in individuals with normal intelligence.

Now, thanks to this study, we know these conditions often co-occur for a reason.

Around 25-40% of people diagnosed with one condition also meet criteria for the other.

Why? It turns out they share a genetic overlap of 0.40, which, in science-speak, means they’re cozy roommates in your DNA.

In an age where loud voices often dominate the conversation, Susan Cain’s work stands as a compelling reminder that quiet strength holds transformative power.

As an author, speaker, and advocate for the often-overlooked virtues of introversion, Cain has profoundly influenced how we think about personality, leadership, and human connection.

Her ability to elevate the voices of those who thrive in reflective spaces has not only sparked cultural change but also inspired millions of people to embrace their authentic selves.

Her contributions intersect powerfully with the growing field of neurodiversity, offering invaluable psychoeducation on the diverse ways human brains are wired and how these differences shape behavior and potential.