PDA by PDAers: From Anxiety to Avoidance and Masking to Meltdowns.
This new book is a collection of genuine insights and experiences from people living with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), adapted from their interactions on a popular online support group.
It includes frank discussions of topics relevant to PDA, including work, relationships and managing meltdowns, making it a vital resource for both individuals and professionals.
Compiled by Sally Cat, who is herself an adult with PDA, this book is the latest in Jessica Kingsley Publishers’ growing range of PDA books, which includes Can I tell you about Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome? and Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children, with more due for release throughout 2018, including Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Pupils with PDA.
First for adults with PDA
PDA by PDAers is the first book written by and for adults with PDA, and as such is a unique and important work. It aims to show the diversity and range of experiences among those with PDA, and to increase awareness and understanding of the diagnosis.
Sally Cat says,“To think of PDA as merely involving demand avoidance is akin to thinking of tigers as merely having stripes.”
This book is a window into adult Pathological Demand Avoidance, exploring the variety of distinct PDA traits through the voices of over 70 people living with and affected by the condition. Sally Cat has successfully captured the essence of the online community in book form, making the valuable insights available to a wider audience, and creating a much-needed resource. This is a fascinating and sometimes very moving read.
To keep up to date with JKP’s current and upcoming books, you can sign up to their mailing list here and select the Pathological Demand Avoidance option, as well as any other subject areas of interest to you.
Reader Reviews of PDA by PDAers:
‘With good humour and banter, this book demonstrates “the positive power of self-awareness” and understanding. Everyone should read it to appreciate what life is like for PDAers. Skilful Sally Cat enables PDAers to realise that other people feel the same. Shared experiences and coping strategies open the door to the realisation that they are not alone and feeling “different is ok”.’
– Anne Waterhouse, self-identified as relating to PDA in her 70s after reading Sally Cat’s memes
‘Unlike usual factual guides, this book brings a ‘human touch’ with moving tales, experiences and support from Sally Cat and her fellow PDAers. Alongside this are easy to follow and simple to understand graphs, memes and insights into the world of PDA. A wonderfully relatable book, full of humour and hope.’
– Victoria Power, mother of two special needs children, self-diagnosed with PDA
‘I think this is a great resource for understanding adult PDA. This book lifts the curtain. There are nuances to this condition! It itself is a spectrum I think. The parts of this book I’ve read have helped me to better understand some of my past behaviours. It was like looking in a mirror!’
– Josh Bremner, 23-year-old student exploring PDA through the Facebook Adult PDA Support Network
Click here to view the PDA by PDAers page on Jessica Kingsley Publishers’ website
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