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The PDA Paradox

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

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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 Publishers Children's Health Mental Health People with Disabilities Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Health Autism Special need Inspiring Thought-Provoking Autism Memoir
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Gives a great insight into PDA and a different perspective on how to support and understand my daughter.

Really interesting listen

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I felt like you were writing my story except for drink and drugs my hunger is in the literal sense of food addiction. This book has been so refreshing and hearing your stories has helped my parents see now why I was the bossy, stubborn and difficult child. They could never understand because I was so ‘gifted’ and studious in subjects that interested me. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.

How relatable you are Harry

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I am so grateful to you for sharing your experience as a person dealing with PDA.
As a father it has shown me how to better understand what goes on in the head of a PDA’er.
I recommend this book, without any hesitation for anyone who has or suspects a loved one to have PDA. It will make both your life and your loved ones life infinitely more rewarding and happy.
Thanks Harry
Ps you have an amazing vocabulary and I suspect a very successful career ahead as an author - I do hope that you will continue to write

Thank you Harry

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As a parent of a young PDA boy, this book was simply enormously helpful. Harry explains PDA from the inside out in no uncertain terms, with utter honesty, openness, humour and humility. It was very funny and moving at times. Recommended for anyone wanting to get their head and heart around this not so often visited corner of autism.

Moving, enlightening and insightful book

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I listened to this book in 2 days as I couldn’t put it down. I will probably listen to it again to process and digest it even more.

This book has helped me to understand my Autistic daughter better and although she doesn’t have a PDA diagnosis, I am now even more positive that she is PDA.

Thankyou for sharing your life experiences and for giving me hope that the future can be bright for my daughter and I will trust in her to show me the way 🙏🏾😁

Brilliant!!

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