Published on 12, July, 2020
I attended a zoom group this morning and came across PDA , which is a new one for me as nobody really talks about it even though it affects so many people. I am aware that you can have this form of Autism , but it is super hard to get diagnosed. I just wanted to see how it affects you , the traits etc on a deeper level. When it was being discussed I suddenly had a lightbulb moment and now i'm addiment my brother has it so wanted to dive into it further. Would be super grateful for any advice on this matter,
Kind regards Amy
PDA is a specific autistic profile - meaning that the autistic person has a persistent drive for autonomy and that the nervous system can perceive hierarchy, inequality or authority (loss of autonomy) as threats to survival. There are many other PDA experiences, here are some links to more information:
https://youtube.com/@kristyforbes?si=8VZw1mCxYy0Q-IRy
This YouTube channel is by Kristy Forbes who is an adult PDAer who specialises in supporting other PDAers and families. Really important information about the PDA nervous system on this channel.
More videos about PDA by PDAers:
https://www.youtube.com/live/ryWUrEoZgDY?si=mAng1ROmdrYdLuPm
https://www.youtube.com/live/cqf9hlpSz5E?si=-1rcYoZEbuNbiayf
You may also want to visit the Autism Understood website and search for PDA specifically.
I hope this helps.
My diagnosis report states the profile type as PDA.
It's taken a while to figure out what that really means, there's so many things that I do which are PDA driven but I wasn't aware. I used to just think it manifests as procrastination , but it's so much more than that.
Demand can come in many forms and my reaction to it can be almost allergic, like I'm startled by some things and fight or flight (or freeze) can kick in.
These range from invites to social events, people popping up with a message saying "got a min to talk?" , things I need to do at work that I don't feel bought into (I'm not great with just being told, I have to "believe" to do things)
It's all good fun!
Autisician said:I'm not great with just being told, I have to "believe" to do things
This one is a real job killer.
I get where it comes from - probably your moral compass that needs things to align with what you think is right or the correct way to do things.
Unfortunately we are in a hierarchy where we do what we are told and not doing it because we think it isn't right will end up getting you fired after a while.
It really helps to work with a coach to learn how to pass your concerns back to your manager in a timely way and be willing to accept their decision.
Sometimes it sucks but without this system the management no longer trust you to do your job and will find ways to make you leave - and quite rightly so.
It takes a lot of work to suck it up and just accept that you can't do anything about it but finding a way to disconnect from the decision (ie it's only a job) and get on with the task makes surviving in the workplace much easier.
If the thing you are asked to do is illegal then you have grounds to refuse but if it is down to it being a poor choice, inefficient or just against your personal codes then switch off the "give a fug" setting and think "at least I'm getting paid to do this stuff".
Workplaces - the biggest risk to mental health for autists since school!
What is worse than not being able to look yourself in the eye? A job is a job, important yes, but it's not that important.
A coach that teaches you useful stuff that you both need and want to learn is totally different to someone who hassles you.
I'm not self sabotaging, I do not have a crappy made in China compass, I have a real one that works, it may not be perfect, but it's served me well over the years
I might not be a rich or successful person in the ways the world tends to see it, but I'd far rather be a principled person than either of the above, of course being all of them would be best, lol. But often not possible.