Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children: A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Other Professionals

by Margaret Duncan

Straightforward guide to understanding PDA for anyone needing an overview of the condition.

Pathological demand avoidance syndrome (PDA) is a developmental disorder that is being increasingly recognised as part of the autism spectrum. The main characteristic is a continued resistance to the ordinary demands of life through strategies of social manipulation, which originates from an anxiety-driven need to be in control.

This straightforward guide is written collaboratively by professionals and parents to give a complete overview of PDA. Starting with an exploration into the syndrome, it goes on to answer the immediate questions triggered when a child is first diagnosed, and uses case examples throughout to illustrate the impact of the condition on different areas of the child's life. Early intervention options and workable strategies for managing PDA positively will make day-to-day life easier for the child, their family and peers. New problems faced in the teenage years and how to assist a successful transition from adolescence to adulthood are also tackled. The book concludes with a valuable resources list.

Full of helpful guidance and support, this user-friendly introductory handbook is essential listening for families, carers and anyone who knows a child with PDA.

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Education, Audiobook, Self Help, Psychology

Audible Audio

First published September 15, 2011

Reviews

[KayCee Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had begun slowly and casually learning about PDA as a parent who’s child is possible PDA. After his OT suggested I look into PDA I picked up this book on audible. Listening to quotes from parents describing their PDA kiddo I have laughed and cried and felt more validated by this book than I possibly could have imagined. PDA isn’t widely known or talked about, and barely even recognized in the US. Regardless of any potential diagnosis’ in my child’s future I learned valuable techniques and strategies that have already begun to make our lives a little smoother.

As an Early Childhood Educator this book has given me additional perspective in looking at challenging behaviors, along with tools and strategies to continue to individualize responses to students. 10/10 recommend.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of PDA, but much of the book is devoted to programs and policies in the UK and do not relate to programs in the US.

[Julie Bille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Som professionel der kender meget lidt til PDA, gav denne bog en god indflyvning til emnet samt præsentere den gode og håndterbare værktøjer man kan anvende til børn og unge med en PDA-profil.

[Andrea Beane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always felt like my son’s ASD dx was not typical but could never figure out where he fit on the spectrum and how to best help him (despite much efforts over the years). This book has me mindblown with the level of accuracy it describes my boy. So much more I could say but I just don’t have the time. Grateful for this book and the information it has given me!!!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fantastic and informative book about PDA.
And it’s nice to find a book that actually talks about processes and education in the UK.

[Stephani Jahn, PhD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I am not a PDAer myself, so would defer to those who are on anything I share here. I am a parent to a suspected PDA preschooler, and that informed how I read this book.

Overall, I found this book was a helpful introduction to PDA to guide how I'll raise others' awareness of the subject. It was navigable, and the parts that I needed less focus on (about school) were skimmable. I was pleased to find that it has a genuinely affirming approach to Autism and PDA in terms of the descriptions of inner world experiences.

In particular, I gained some deeper appreciation for the role of anxiety in PDA. There was overall a bent towards addressing school settings with UK-based assumptions about resources that may or may not be replicable in the US. There was enough focus on home applications for those who are new to the subject. For me, there weren't any suggestions that were distinct from other sources, so my value in reading was more in furthering my understanding of the PDA inner experience.

I wish there was more knowledge about the neurological and cognitive origins of PDA experiences, but I can't fault this book for the lack of that information at the time of publishing. It's been a good while since publication (2011), so I will look for more up-to-date research on that.

Also, as the title says, it's about children, so nothing on adult PDAers other than reference to their then-limited contributions to understanding their experience.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering that there isn't much information on PDA, this is a good book on the subject. There was a lot about the education environment, which is great for educators and parents who have a diagnosis for their child as well as a supportive school. Our area does not diagnose PDA and our daughter's primary school is not supportive of her ASD diagnosis, let alone PDA. However, hopefully her secondary school would be better.

So for me, some of the book was useful and some of it wasn't particularly useful. However, with a scarcity of information, I did find the book very useful. If you have a child or work with a child with PDA or suspected PDA, this is a great book.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book to be very informative and straight forward. I liked that the first chapter dealt with differences in terminology and diagnostic perspective as a result of the move from DSM4 to DSM5. I felt it was a really good starting point for reading. It didn't delve in so much to specific tactics and phrasing to use (possibly on the theory that every child is unique) which is something I would have liked to have seen more of.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be a life saver to people with younger (preschool through early middle school) aged children but does very little for the parents of teens or young adults beyond validate their experiences. EXCELLENT reading for teachers and school administrators, therapists and special education professionals. In fact, it should be required reading for them as there are sections dedicated specifically to these environments.

[Liza]

I found this really affirming about the way I approach PDA and it made me dream that I could restructure the school system to actually differentiate curriculum and incorporate more project-based learning, because the curriculum is SO dull and uninspired thanks to publishing conglomerates in the US, but I digress. This did have a UK focus, so I was lost in some parts, but I’m grateful for the resources within these pages.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

hello my name is Hayley and I clearly have great work/life balance if I’m spending my spare time reading about PDA.

an interesting read nonetheless, a little pathologising at times and the language used was a bit outdated but some general basic information for supporting neurodiverse populations was provided.

[Georgia Swadling · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent - a fantastic insight into a relatively little known condition that has very obviously been put together meticulously to provide the best support possible for children with PDA and their families/carers/educators. really cannot recommend this enough for anyone potentially coming into contact with PDA.

[Joanna Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a practical life saver for any parent, therapist, or educator working with a child with PDA. It's chock full of research, practical suggestions, proven strategies, and stories of life with PDA.

[Allison Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely essential reading for all parents, teachers, and caregivers of individuals with PDA. Would be 5 stars if the book was actually up-to-date on research. Most recent research cited is 2010, with this edition copyrighted in 2012. Overdue for a revised edition but still unbelievably useful.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good audiobook. A nice mix of practical advice and an acknowledgement of the challenges of PDA. I was tempted to start again at the beginning and listen again, but I think I will save the for another time.

[Julie Galley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite what I was looking for. But then again, I think I may be dealing with ASD with PDA traits and so not close enough to be useful. Don’t let that put you off if you think you’re dealing with PDA

[Jessica Offer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really insightful and validating full of fantastic resources and ideas/strategies.

[Ashleigh Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most interesting

I would be interested in an updated addendum, especially regards pda spectrum aligned or off shooter in context with asd

[Matthew J. Winbow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful and great suggestions.

[Tony Mistretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me to understand PDA and how to support my family and family member who has many of the behavioral symptoms of this condition.

[Mairéad · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 An interesting introduction to PDA for parents and educators with some useful practical tips and lots of suggestions for further reading.

[James R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of PDA.

[Punkingate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting case studies. This book reiterates the strength in nurturing positive therapeutic relationships above any ‘magic’ techniques, which I appreciate.

[Paige Dalton-Reitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an okay primer. It's not bad, but it is dated - and in mental health, dated happens fast. It has some good basic information in it, but it would benefit from a refresh.

[Kelly Nesbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful reference for a new area of Autism for me!

[Jennifer Polidoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game changer. A necessary book.

[Jasmine's · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good inside look on how it is to raise a PDA child and how best to support them. A MUST read for anyone with a PDA child.

[Britt-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geared toward younger kids. Most practical advice is offered for educators. I would recommend with more stars for educators I think. Also very specific to UK so not as helpful for Americans.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't want the rating of 3 stars to dissuade anyone from reading this book. Three stars reflects that it's very much about the British health and educational system so if you are in the U.S. you have to sort through it for what is relevant here and what could be helpful to share with teachers, etc. This sub-set (not a great word but I can't think of another at the moment) of the autism spectrum is a new differentiation for me, but valuable, I hope. On the plus side, it's the best fit I've read. On the minus side, it's a new-ish differentiation so not widely accepted and not broadly documented or studied. It's definitely the answer to the frustrating question about why some on the spectrum thrive, produce, excel, etc. and others don't. And it alleviates some of the "well you must be doing the wrong things for your child" blame, because it clearly states that best practices for autism (like rigid structure, for example) often don't work and aren't appropriate for people on the PDA side of the spectrum. (And btw, PDA is an AWFUL name.) And unfortunately, it doesn't propose much hope for the person with PDA bridging the gap between their potential and their actual achievement. (Though admittedly, lots of people, with and without labels, fall short of their potential.) This isn't the book to answer all the questions. It's the book to start parents and teachers on a new path of questions and supports.

[Daniel Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed and concise.