Overview

• Judd described pathological demand avoidance as an autism-linked profile where everyday demands can trigger intense anxiety and avoidance.
• Speaking on Dr Alex George’s Stompcast, she outlined shifting to low-demand, autonomy-first strategies at home, such as avoiding prompts about clothes and limiting questions.
• The family have reworked social routines to cut pressure, including skipping birthday parties and telling children what is inside wrapped presents.
• She said the experience brought heavy judgment from others and a grief process as she let go of conventional parenting expectations.
• Judd called for greater understanding in schools, saying flexible, non-confrontational approaches can be crucial for a child’s ability to remain in education.