The PDA Paradox

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

By: Harry Thompson, Felicity Evans - foreword

Narrated by: 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

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.

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.

good education for PDA allies

my husband has pda, so I wish there were more in this book about adult relationships. however the story was good and I recognized a lot of ways in which I may approach things the wrong way. I really identified with the idea of not telling someone to do something if they want to, and why that might cause meltdowns.
lucky for the author he had a lot of opportunity that most people don't to be accommodated, I think a lot of people listening probably think I can't just quit school, I can't just go to another school, I can't just pop from job to job to job because I have no safety net. that would be another thing that I'll be looking for elsewhere. overall great book

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.