Pathological Demand Avoidance Explained

by Sally Cat

Do you avoid things you want to do? Or resist every day demands like tooth brushing, that seem small to other people? Do you make sure no one sees how anxious you are? It might be PDA. What is PDA? What does it feel like? What does it involve? PDA stands for 'pathological demand avoidance'. It describes a neurotype (type of brain) which is classed as part of the autism spectrum. There's more to PDA than avoiding things. This book describes what PDA is using simple words and pictures. Author and illustrator Sally Cat is an adult PDA author, artist and blogger. She has posted hundreds of graphic memes describing PDA on her popular Facebook page. This book uses the same format to communicate the lived experience of the condition in an easy to understand way via 75 memes. The topics covered are PDA avoidance, control-need, anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, social mimicry & masking, emotions, overload, meltdown & shutdown, school and adult life. Royalties for the book are donated directly to PDA Society.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2020

Reviews

[Bern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like it, even the crazy illustrations– no, especially because of the crazy illustrations. There's something delinquent, jarring and chaotic about the illustrations that fascinates me in its novelty. Okay that aside,I wasn't reading this book for me but to understand more about my kid's profile but the author being an autistic female with high anxiety nailed so much of the experience— I was actually moved to tears because I think she explained a facet of myself so clearly. It's an amazing thing when you see yourself represented.

I'm looking forward to the PDA workshop/summit where the author will be speaking.

[Trace smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

All visual easy to access and read, suitable for whole family... free on amazon unlimited . This is great to show children and older generation like grandparent who just don’t get it.
Great little book.... there are other PDA books out there with more content this one is short but informative in a fun accessible way! Recommend.

[Liz Barten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book!

First of all, the term pathological is very off putting not-the author’s fault since it is a diagnosis. I just had to say it! Sally Cat broke it down in an understandable way that made it easier to understand and digest. She nailed it! Great resource for people trying to understand PDA.

[James R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clear and thorough explanation of PDA from the perspective of someone who has the condition. My son most likely has PDA but is non-verbal so can't explain things for himself, reading this book helped me to understand some things I'd previously found confusing, like why even doing things he enjoys can be a demand on him and how screen time can be an important part of taking care of himself.

[Mike Cullen · Rating 1 out of 5]

No value whatsoever

This was a series of moments in your life that you can reflect on to confirm you support the book. This really offers nothing more than one of those woolly inspirational messages.

[Mrs L J Pitkin-Woolls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Helpful book. Easy to read, spot on. Helped me understand my husband better, on the road to hopefully getting adult autusm assessment. Love the illustrations in the book too.

[Anthea28talktalk.Net · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the point

Loved reading this insight into PDA from a young age to adulthood. Easy for young PDAers to relate to. Fantastic work from Sally Cat 🐈 Well done on just telling it as it is using clear understandable illustrations

[Peter Mcgovern · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. So easy to read and get the main points. Not triggering. fun! Thanks Sally Cat

See this reviews title! It’s a good book and will take only 15 or 20 minutes to read- but it is so full of relevant information. I plan on re-reading it at least twice.

[Emily Treweek · Rating 4 out of 5]

good introduction

Good introduction and easy to read format. A shame it can’t be used with screen readers.

Needs 4 more words.