Understanding pathological demand avoidance syndrome in children : a guide for parents, teachers and other professionals / Phil Christie ... [et al.].

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA) is a developmental disorder that is being increasingly recognised as part of the autism spectrum. The main characteristic is a continued resistance to the ordinary demands of life through strategies of social manipulation, which originates from an anxiety-driven need to be in control.

This straightforward guide is written collaboratively by professionals and parents to give a complete overview of PDA. Starting with an exploration into the syndrome, it goes on to answer the immediate questions triggered when a child is first diagnosed, and uses case examples throughout to illustrate the impact of the condition on different areas of the child's life. Early intervention options and workable strategies for managing PDA positively will make day-to-day life easier for the child, their family and peers. New problems faced in the teenage years and how to assist a successful transition from adolescence to adulthood are also tackled. The book concludes with a valuable resources list.

Full of helpful guidance and support, this user-friendly introductory handbook is essential reading for families, carers and anyone who knows a child with PDA.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Acknowledgements (p. 7)
• Introduction (p. 9)
• 1 What Is PDA? (p. 11)
• 2 Positive Everyday Strategies (p. 41)
• 3 Living with PDA (p. 68)
• 4 Providing the Best Education for a Child with PDA (p. 103)
• 5 Developing Emotional Well-being and Self-awareness in Children with PDA (p. 140)
• 6 Summing Up and Questions for the Future (p. 180)
• Appendix 1 Useful Websites and Links (p. 195)
• Appendix 2 Booklist (p. 197)
• References (p. 199)
• Subject Index (p. 203)
• Author Index (p. 207)

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Phil Christie is Director of Sutherland House Children's Services and leads a team of consultant child psychologists at the Elizabeth Newson Centre, which carries out training and research activities and has particular expertise in PDA. He is also Associate Editor of Good Autism Practice, and became Chair of the Advisory Council of the Autism Education Trust in 2009. Margaret Duncan is a GP and is a parent to a child with PDA. She co-ordinates the PDA Contact Group (part of Contact a Family), an internet-based group providing information and support for parents and professionals. Ruth Fidler is Assistant Head Teacher at Sutherland House School where she has worked for 18 years. She has responsibility for using and developing approaches to promote the social and emotional well-being of pupils across the autism spectrum. She has contributed to publications in Good Autism Practice and regularly presents training for parents and professionals. Zara Healy is a parent of a child with PDA. She trained as a journalist and worked for the BBC for nearly a decade as a radio and television reporter.