Psychology Today | 02.05.2026 01:46“Noah,” an older autisticteen, presented for his intake appointment. His referral for treatment included concerns of self-harm and the term “pathological demand avoidance.” I asked him to tell me briefly what he knew about his referral, and he responded, “Dad wanted me to come. Therapy doesn’t work for me, but I was curious about seeing an autistic therapist. I know I’m here for self-harm. I hit myself when I’m upset. I don’t hurt anyone else, so there isn’t a problem. ‘My body, my choice.’”
