by Ruth Fidler and Phil Christie (Author)
Meet Issy - an 11-year-old girl with pathological demand avoidance syndrome (PDA), a condition on the autism spectrum. Issy invites readers to learn about PDA from her perspective, helping them to understand how simple, everyday demands can cause her great anxiety and stress. Issy tells readers about all the ways she can be helped and supported by those around her.
This illustrated book is for readers aged 7 and upwards, and will be an excellent way to increase understanding about PDA in the classroom or at home. It also includes practical tips and recommended resources for parents and professionals.
Format: Illustrated
Pages: 56
Edition: Illustrated
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Published: 21 Feb 2015
ISBN 10: 1849055130
ISBN 13: 9781849055130
Book Overview: Introduce Pathological Demand Avoidance to children, friends and family, though the eyes and words of a child with PDA
PDA is another part of the jigsaw within the autistic spectrum. This book offers us an
insider perspective which enriches our understanding and knowledge. It is full of helpful advice and practical approaches, and I would highly recommend it to teachers, parents and all professionals working with children with PDA, (or who, from reading this book, realise that they are!).
This is a delightful book that provides both detailed and very useful information about PDA from the perspective of 11 year old Issy. Issy's insights are fascinating reading and will definitely help professionals, parents and children themselves in understanding this complex condition. Issy's feedback is very down to earth and very believable, for example, she says Some days it's like I have sore feet and no shoes on. Moving forward on those days is really hard. She tells the reader a great deal about PDA and how to manage it within a basic narrative about her life at school and at home. The illustrations are clear and simple, assisting in providing a glimpse into Issy's emotional world and insights.
In addition, two very experienced and knowledgeable professionals provide excellent insights and resources in areas such assessment and intervention in PDA. They manage to capture their many years of experience and insights into this complex condition in a focused chapter which will be invaluable to all involved in working in this area. Their focus on explaining the 'altered approach' is very helpful, providing insights into how PDA is part of the autistic spectrum and that this is important in managing the condition.
This is a concise and authoritative overview into understanding PDA, a complex condition, which continues to challenge many families and professionals.