Being Julia - A Personal Account of Living with Pathological Demand Avoidance

Diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) at aged 12 and writing this memoir at age 37, Julia Daunt depicts the ins and out of PDA and its symptoms, while maintaining a positive outlook on what is possible to achieve. Co-written with professional specialist Ruth Fidler, it covers how PDA impacts Julia's life, including meltdowns, sensory issues and communication in relationships.

Including examples of school reports and handwritten letters, a chapter written from Julia's partner's perspective and even an example of Julia's favourite recipe, this warm and personal look at living and thriving with PDA is informative and inspiring.

ISBN-13: 9781849056816

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Publication Date: 08-19-2021

Pages: 192

Product Dimensions: 5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.71(d)

Ruth Fidler is an independent Education Consultant specialising in complex autism and emotional wellbeing. She worked in a special school setting for over 20 years and now works across the UK providing training and consultancy. She has worked with the Autism Education Trust, the National Autistic Society and is part of Autism Associates. She lives in Nottinghamshire, UK. Julia Daunt is an adult living with a diagnosis of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), ADHD and psychotic episodes. She is a PDA advocate, public speaker and blogger, and runs several Facebook groups on PDA. She lives in Nottinghamshire with her partner Paul and two cats.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. What is PDA?; 2. Childhood - the younger years; 3.Childhood: Growing up; 4. Making sense of my PDA; 5. My avoidance; 6. Sensory differences; 7. Language and communication; 8. Friendships and relationships; 9. Meltdowns; 10. Events and Appointments; 11. Julia through Paul's lens; 12. Now and next; References