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

· Jessica Kingsley Publishers
4.0
4 reviews
Ebook
184
Pages
Eligible
Ratings and reviews aren’t verified  Learn More

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

4.0
4 reviews
Smita S
October 15, 2023
I found this book after watching a talk on youtube with Harry Thompson. I laughed and cried a lot reading this book. Even though there is some disturbing things being said about Harry Thompson on the internet, this book gives a unique insight into the life of a young man living as a PDAer. The book is very well written. I also gained a greater understanding of what might happen if ones support needs arent being met. It can have servere consequences. I hope that more people will learn how to recognise PDA and show more consideration, as these peoples avoidance is very anxiety driven. Much love to all out there living life on the spectrum.
Did you find this helpful?
Andrea Higuera
August 9, 2022
This is an amazingly relatable book if you have autism with a pda profile or even adhd. Made me laugh, get teary eyed and have so many flashbacks. Even if you don't have those but you feel so different than other people, who is open minded and misunderstood. This is a great read. I read it in 1 day.
Did you find this helpful?
Joshua Salles (omghax)
November 29, 2024
Great resource into the mind of PDA, I almost wonder if these books are a memoir to my life sometimes 😂
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

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.

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.