The PDA Paradox
The Highs and Lows of My Life on a Little-Known Part of the Autism Spectrum
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Narrated by:
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Elliot Chapman
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Written by:
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Harry Thompson
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Felicity Evans - foreword
About this listen
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 PublishersYou may also enjoy...
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What listeners say about The PDA Paradox
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- AM
- 2024-06-20
Insightful story
This deepened my understanding for PDA; as a mom to a young PDAer, I recognized and related to so much of what Harry went through. The 1st part made me cry, as that is my child right now, a youngster who struggles with everything in life especially schooling. The middle part made me worry, the harms Harry went through in his teens, the unknown dangers that could be in my child’s future. The ending left a lot of uncertainty, but also a lot of hope. I would like to share this story with all those in my child’s life so they can have a better understanding of how difficult life is for a PDAer and how to really support them even if it goes against what society says. “There is no normal” is a phrase now engrained in my brain.
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