The PDA Paradox Audiobook By Harry Thompson, Felicity Evans - foreword cover art

The PDA Paradox

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

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The PDA Paradox

By: Harry Thompson, Felicity Evans - foreword
Narrated by: Elliot Chapman
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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 Relationships Autism Inspiring Autism Memoir
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What listeners say about The PDA Paradox

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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.

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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

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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.

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LOVE this book!!!!!

I’m just learning about PDA and this book has helped me so much! I now have such a deeper understanding of what my 12 year old PDA son is going through! Thank you so much, Harry Thompson!!!!

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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.

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Gives hope to the pathologically demand avoidant

A lovely PDA narrative that grants a fantastic perspective to the fellow neurodivergent, 10/10

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Should be required reading for any therapist

Though I imagine the author might hate that idea! I am a therapist (who never heard of PDA) with a PDA family member. This book was very helpful and very hopeful. Nothing can be asked beyond that- but the performance was also superb!!!

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great for pdaers

very helpful and fun to listen to as a late-diagnosed pdaer, or someone who wants to understand pda

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Life changing

Harry has given me the gift of forgiving myself for being “bad” my entire life and forcing myself into situations so that I could be “good.” Thank you for sharing your story because it started mine

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Insightful, validating and funny too

Very insightful perspective. This book has really helped me better understand, empathize, and support my ASD teen. I really enjoyed listening to Harry recall his life experiences and laughed out loud quite frequently. Harry is a great storyteller who infuses the tales of his strengths and struggles with a good amount of humor!

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