The PDA Paradox: The Highs and Lows of My Life on a Little-Known Part of the Autism Spectrum

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Sometimes it feels like everywhere we look, there is demand bearing down on us that sends our anxiety through the roof. When looking at Pathological Demand Avoidance, the first thing to note is that the name is a complete misnomer. That doesn't mean that there are no boundaries for children with PDA; it just means that we have to work much harder to understand needs and enable our children to achieve their best in a society which is overwhelmingly designed for those who are neurotypical.

Things can negatively interfere with quality of life, but still be a rational, natural response, given the prior experiences. The demand avoidance exhibited by PDA individuals is irrational; there is rarely a reason behind us avoiding what you are asking us to do; we simply cannot do it.e. intentional harm, deception/lying, social insults, bragging, bullying, faking/exaggerating emotion to generate sympathy, fake mirroring to secure a friendship bond etc. Autistic people have enough negative perception about them without adding to it via labels with negative connotations about the person. Diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in his teenage years, Harry Thompson looks back with wit and humour at the ups and downs of family and romantic relationships, school, work and mental health, as well as his teenage struggle with drugs and alcohol.

It gives you time to think of a way to reject the demand in a less abrupt manner, and it will remove the pressure of having to do it in person. Over the last two years I have felt that we were just drifting further and further apart and I couldn't get why.A really salient example is a woman who was told by her boss (along with an entire workforce, so not just personally to her) to try and get bathroom trips in at a certain time (to reduce lines during breaks that prevented everyone from being able to go). It also leads to a great deal of stress for you and the potential of being hurt when they do lash out.

This could include destructive behaviours, hurting others, kicking, hitting, running away and self-harm. Eloquent and insightful, The PDA Paradox will bring readers to shock, laughter and tears through its overwhelming honesty.The scene of the rejection or criticism can play in their head in an ongoing loop, accompanied by a nearly obsessive level of analysis and self-punishment.