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

Ruth Fidler is Assistant Head Teacher at Sutherland House School run by the autism charity NORSACA. She works throughout the school (aged 3-19) developing whole school approaches to working interactively with children across the autism spectrum, with a particular focus on social and emotional well being. Dr Judy Eaton is a clinical psychologist. She has assessed and worked with many girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with mental health issues in both in- and out-patient settings. She lives in Norfolk, UK.

This is a unique personal insight into PDA, following Julia and her family from early childhood to present day adulthood and relationship with her partner Paul. Julia is honest about the challenges throughout, with the benefits of a positive approach and acceptance shining through. PDA individuals, family members and professionals will all benefit from reading this book.

• 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