Watch this space …
In the course of my clinical work, I meet with many parents who are seeking an explanation for their child’s difficulties. I am also privileged to have been allowed to join a number of closed Facebook groups where parents share their experiences of bringing up children with Autism and PDA. Without exception, these parents have been strong, resilient and determined to achieve the best possible...Learn More
Back to school for children with PDA
It is the beginning of September again and parents all over the country are preparing for the start of the new school year. For some parents though, this is a time of increased stress, or even weary resignation, that once again they will have to face the daily battle of encouraging their child into school. For others, getting their child into school is a distant memory. These are the...Learn More
Autism, anxiety and the impact upon parents
This article is about Autism and anxiety. Research suggests that up to 85% of autistic individuals will suffer from anxiety. An autistic child is twice as likely as a neurotypical (non-autistic) child to experience anxiety. A significant number will suffer from extreme anxiety – to the point that it affects not just their life but their family’s too. Some children are too anxious to attend...Learn More
Missed or delayed Autism and PDA diagnoses
This article is equally applicable to both boys and girls. In the course of many years of clinical experience I have learned that boys can be just as good as girls at ‘masking’ their difficulties (particularly those who have the Pathological Demand Avoidance profile). Way back in the early 2000’s I remember when the National Autism Plan for Children (NAPC) guidelines were developed...Learn More
Supporting the child with PDA in the classroom – Part Two
The second part of this article is aimed at both parents of Autistic children, and those working with them in a school environment, and examines the impact of the various stresses of the school day for these young people, but also for those who have the job of supporting them, particularly teachers and teaching assistants. First from the point of view of the young people. We...Learn MoreSupporting the Child With PDA in the Classroom – Part One
Previous blog articles have touched upon the challenges faced by parents whose children either find it impossible to attend school, or those where their children ‘mask’ or hide their difficulties in the classroom. In the course of assessments and therapy with families, many parents have reported feeling blamed and judged when it appears that whatever they seem to try with their children...Learn More
It’s Not Only Girls Who Can Mask
Following on from the previous article regarding autistic children who mask, this article is going to look specifically at autistic boys who mask. These boys seem to fall into two distinct categories. The first group is those who understand the rules at school and appear to manage the structure of school very well, but who are often struggling socially and academically and who keep ‘below the...Learn More