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

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Harry Thompson Felicity Evans

The PDA Paradox

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

Harry Thompson, Felicity Evans

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English

Jessica Kingsley
15 February 2019

Memoirs; Disability: social aspects; Psychology; Coping with disability

"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.

By embracing neurodiversity and emphasising that autistic people are not flawed human beings, Thompson demonstrates that some merely need to take the ""scenic route"" in order to flourish and reach their full potential. The memoir brings to life Harry's past experiences and feelings, from his torrid time at school to the peaceful and meaningful moments when he is alone with a book, writing or creating YouTube videos.

Eloquent and insightful, The PDA Paradox will bring readers to shock, laughter and tears through its overwhelming honesty. It is a turbulent memoir, but it ends with hope and a positive outlook to the future."

By: Harry Thompson
Foreword by: Felicity Evans
Imprint: Jessica Kingsley
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 214mm, Width: 138mm, Spine: 22mm
Weight: 220g
ISBN: 9781785926754
ISBN 10: 1785926756
Pages: 184
Publication Date: 15 February 2019
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

"1. Gratitude? I Think Not! 2. So What the Devil is this PDA Malarkey Anyway? 3. Mother & The Beast. 4a. ""School"". 4b. A Brief, Yet Necessary, Digression. 4c. (Resumed). 5. ""Pretending to be Something I'm Not in Pursuit of Green, Rectangular Pieces of Paper"". 6. Coexisting with Other Living Things on a Blue and Green Speck of Dust Hurtling Through Space. 7. Inhale and Exhale. Denouement. End: A Final Note from the Author's Mother."

Harry Thompson is a millennial diagnosed with PDA, who has lived in both the UK and the US. He has a YouTube channel dedicated to PDA and neurodiversity with a strong number of followers.

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

Being a mum to a teenage PDA son is life-changing, and at times, utterly heart-wrenching experience. Seeing Harry through his own candid, entertaining and diplomatic lens, fills me with hope, quiet optimism, and (most importantly) confidence for my own son's future. Thank you Harry for your insight. -- Natasha, PDA mum As a clinician who has worked with complex young people and adults with Autism throughout my working life, I was delighted to be asked to review this book. I read it in one sitting. It is the most articulate, honest, entertaining (and sometimes funny) book about PDA I have read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to gain an insight into how this profile impacts upon individuals, their families and those who work with or are involved in their education. -- Dr Judy Eaton, Consultant Clinical Psychologist In this book Harry has told the fascinating story of his interesting and inspiring life. With great use of humour, grace, and emotion he gives brilliant insight into his Pathological Demand Avoidance, which I'm sure reading it would be helpful to many people. -- Liam Ragless, Autism Support Advisor, Assert Brighton and Hove