Describe the moment
Write what is happening in your own words. Avoid names and identifying details.
How it works
Support that starts with the moment in front of you
PDA Question helps you describe what is happening, consider what may be underneath it, and find lower-pressure words for what comes next.
How PDA Question works
Open Understanding
Consider possible pressure, autonomy, capacity, and felt-safety factors beneath the behavior.
Open Script
Use calm, natural wording aloud, in a message, or as supportive self-talk.
Understanding
Look underneath, not just at the behavior
Understanding offers a tentative, PDA-informed explanation of what may be happening and why common compliance-first responses can add pressure.
It is educational guidance, not a clinical interpretation or assessment.
Script
Find language that leaves room
Script offers calm, low-demand words you can adapt to your relationship and situation. Use them aloud, send them to someone else, or borrow them for your own self-talk.
History and context
History helps you return to earlier responses. Settings can provide high-level context so guidance can better fit the moment; review every response for your situation.
History
Revisit previous questions, Understanding responses, and Script language.
Context personalization
Use supported settings to add helpful general context without including identifying details.
Clear boundaries
What PDA Question does not do
It does not diagnose, assess, provide medical or mental-health treatment, replace professional judgment, or respond as an emergency service. It does not guarantee an outcome. If someone may be in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or an appropriate crisis resource.