When Accommodations Become Avoidance: Helping Neurodivergent Kids Build Resilience

When does supporting a neurodivergent child become reinforcing avoidance? In this episode, pediatric psychologist Dr. Mark Bowers explains how parents can distinguish helpful accommodations from patterns that may gradually shrink a child’s world. He explores anxiety, autism, ADHD task paralysis, PDA-related demand avoidance, sensory overload, school refusal, burnout, homework shutdowns, hygiene struggles, and the powerful short-term relief that keeps avoidance cycles going. You’ll learn why t...