What are the best books for supporting PDA children and teens?
Does my child have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)?
DA children struggle to do things if they perceive them to be a demand. The difference between being demand avoidant and Pathological Demand Avoidance is that PDA occurs every day, and includes both when asked to do unpleasant things but also things they enjoy and want to do.
A diagnosis can aid in accessing support, but the most important way to help a PDA child is by taking the time to understand their challenges and strengths.
Books that help children understand their Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
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All About PDA
Buy nowPacked with cute animal photos - this book is from a favourite JKP series by Kathy Hoopmann but particularly useful when gently introducing your child to their diagnosis.
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The Panda on PDA
Buy nowIn this positive, gentle and PDA-friendly guide for young children, PDA is explained by a playful Panda who has PDA and is very proud of it.
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Me and My PDA
Buy nowAn interactive, beautifully illustrated workbook to help young people with PDA understand their diagnosis and build their own personalised problem-solving strategies.
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Super Shamlal
Buy nowTherapeutic children's story about Shamlal the Camel, who lives with Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA).
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The Kids' Simple Guide to PDA
Buy nowShort, introductory guide to PDA providing basic information on the condition.
Parenting a PDA Child
PDA young people don’t always recognise hierarchy in the same way others do, which means they may not naturally see you, their parent, as an authority figure. They also often need to see the value in something before they feel able to engage with it. Keeping this in mind and looking for resources that can help communication between you will help your bond and relationship.
Books on Parenting PDAers
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The Family Experience of PDA
Buy nowA fully illustrated and uplifting parenting guide to raising children with PDA, from Sunday Times bestselling author, Eliza Fricker.
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PDA in the Family
Buy nowA journey through family life with an autistic child with the Pathological Demand Avoidance profile from the popular PDA blogger of 'Steph's Two Girls'.
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Low-Demand Parenting
Buy nowBestselling easy-read guide for parents on how to help your neurodivergent family thrive by reducing family conflict through dropping demands from daily life. 25,000 copies sold!
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Helping Your Child with PDA Live a Happier Life
Buy nowA succinct, insightful parenting guide for families with children who have - or may have - pathological demand avoidance (PDA).
What support does my PDA teenager need?
Pathological Demand Avoidant teens can often feel misunderstood, and it can make a big difference when the people around them really understand what they need. If you’re a teenager yourself, and that sounds familiar, you might find it interesting to explore stories and experiences from other PDAers – especially in books written by people who’ve been there themselves.
Books for PDA teenagers
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The Teen's Guide to PDA
Buy nowThe first guide to PDA for teens - everything you need to know, with illustrations
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The PDA Paradox
Buy nowA memoir by an adult with PDA, reflecting back on his early childhood through to present day.
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I'm Not Upside Down I'm Downside Up
Buy nowWelcome to a day in the life of Ariana and experience what PDA is like from the inside.
What are the best resources on PDA for teachers?
For teachers and professionals supporting young people with PDA, a low-demand approach is often the most effective. This may include offering choices, incorporating humour into your questions to reduce anxiety, and using less pressurising language.
Sometimes accommodations can help to ease school avoidance. Other times, alternative learning solutions are more beneficial for the child. For more strategies and insights, explore our books below.
Books for Teachers and Professionals on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
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The Educator's Experience of Pathological Demand Avoidance
Buy hereConcise, light-hearted intro to PDA for time-poor teachers, illustrated by the popular Eliza Fricker
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The Teacher's Introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance
Buy nowPractical, easy to input strategies for busy teachers and support assistants working with pupils with pathological demand avoidance (PDA).
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Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children
Buy nowStraightforward guide to understanding PDA for anyone needing an overview of the condition.
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Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Pupils with PDA
Buy nowAn expert guide for supporting pupils with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in school environments.
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PDA in the Therapy Room
Buy nowAdvice for clinicians supporting children with PDA and their families.
Books on School Avoidance
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Can't Not Won't
Buy nowA fully illustrated, empathetic and wry guide to helping and understanding children who are unable to go to school, written by a parent who has been there and gets it.
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I Can't Go To School
Buy nowAn interactive workbook for young teens who are absent from school to be used individually, as a direct communication aid for young people and their families, or as a companion guide to use with a therapist.
PDA as an Adult
Sometimes though exploring books for your child, you might notice that you too may have a PDA profile or traits. Reading books by lived experience authors offer real, everyday insight into PDA to help you support young people (or yourself) in a more empathetic and effective way.
Lived Experience Books on PDA
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Being Julia
Buy nowAn insightful memoir by an adult with PDA, written in collaboration with a professional specialist in the area.
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The PDA Paradox
Buy nowA memoir by an adult with PDA, reflecting back on his early childhood through to present day.
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PDA by PDAers
Buy nowAdults with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) share their collective wisdom to support and empower others living with PDA.
