The PDA Paradox

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

De: Harry Thompson, Felicity Evans - foreword

Narrado por: Elliot Chapman

A memoir by an adult with PDA, reflecting back on his early childhood through to present day.

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 listeners 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.

©2019 Harry Thompson (P)2019 Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Not what I was expecting

Good story/ account of his life and some of the struggles he has had.. I was hoping this would give tools/guidance on how to help someone with PDA or even things he thinks would benefit someone with PDA so they didn’t go the same route.

might help you relate to an autistic you know

well-written, vulgar, insightful into a not-well-understood condition -- Thompson unravels some paradoxes and leaves other ones mischievously alone

Offered more than I expected.

I entered this title hoping to gain more understanding of PDA, and left it with a better understanding of myself. Harry Thompson offers an amazing look into the life of a PDA'r growing up and views of life. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for insight on PDA regardless of what their reason for interest may be.

Amazing and informative

I have been recently learning and understanding my own autism and ADHD, discovering my PDA and how it has effecting my life and my family. this book helped me so much hearing someone else's perspective.

LOVE this book!!!!!

I’m just learning about PDA and this book has helped me so much! I now have such a deeper understanding of what my 12 year old PDA son is going through! Thank you so much, Harry Thompson!!!!

Very nice to hear a similar experience to mine.

Thank you Harry, I to have been through the ringer over and over again in life. Nice to hear I'm not the only one with this weird curse, sorry you have to deal with it as well. You very concisely expressed some very abstract and nebulous feelings.

great for pdaers

very helpful and fun to listen to as a late-diagnosed pdaer, or someone who wants to understand pda

Gives hope to the pathologically demand avoidant

A lovely PDA narrative that grants a fantastic perspective to the fellow neurodivergent, 10/10

Should be required reading for any therapist

Though I imagine the author might hate that idea! I am a therapist (who never heard of PDA) with a PDA family member. This book was very helpful and very hopeful. Nothing can be asked beyond that- but the performance was also superb!!!

Absolute brilliance!

This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand PDA at a deeper level, as well as being an excellent read for those well versed in this topic. As a father in a neurodivergent family, with one son with PDA, I could relate to a lot of what was told. And it was told with such oddly familiar eloquence, wit and charm, which gave the story a truly palpable authenticity. I already look forward to reading it again!