This video is just me, introducing our story, from when Sasha was first diagnosed with autism aged just two. Trying to help explain characteristics of someone with Pathological Demand Avoidance, and offering ideas for PDA strategies which we use in everyday life.
Of course there are many other families with children with PDA, and adult PDAers too, and it's important to remember that every individual is unique and can present with this in different ways. Different ages also lead to different challenges of course; in my series 'Our PDA Story' here on the blog there are 42 posts sharing a variety of experiences from families and adults living with PDA.
Huge thanks to Kate from Finding Cooper's Voice who gave me the nudge I needed to make this video. Kate shared it on her Facebook page and I know that there have been several more people experiencing their 'lightbulb moment' since watching it. It's a great feeling to know that other families might now have some answers and their children might gain some more understanding.
What about the fact PDA is not actually recognized in the DSM and in many cases by doctors/ therapists/service providers. It can come across in some cases like dealing with a spoiled manipulative child who just does what they want and nothing else.
ReplyDeleteIt might come across like that, but I think when you look at both the big picture and the detail combined, you can see when avoidance is driven by anxiety rather than anything else... For doctors or therapists, the PDA Society have produced very informative booklets which are worth sharing x
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