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The power of language

Wordsmith

I was struck again yesterday by the power of a change of language to change one’s perception of autism and autistic traits. The example I came across was an alternative expansion of PDA: instead of pathological demand avoidance, it is sometimes referred to as a pervasive drive for autonomy.

Previously, I had dismissed the possibility that I might exhibit PDA (avoidance? pathological??). But pervasive drive for autonomy? That fits like a glove. From my childhood rejection of any help that my teachers offered to my inability to work as part of a team (unless I have a clearly defined autonomous role to play) to my suspicion of anyone who tries to exert authority over me.

So, I was wondering whether you have similar experiences of seeing an autistic trait in a new (and more positive) light because it has been described in a new way?

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  • in reply to ArchaeC

    I agree, I want to do things myself, it's common in only children in general, so maybe I got a double dose of it?

    I also wonder how much PDA is someone not wanting to do somethng that is asked fo them, to be really simplistic am I refusing to eat turnips because I don't like them to the extent that they make my mouth try and turn inside out, or do I have PDA? I wonder how many of these things are lables put on people, particularly children because adults will not accept that the child really really dosen't like something? It the same as something like Oppositional Defiance Disorder, I'm told it's a real thing, but how much of it again is people and particularly children being labled for refusing to do things an adult thinks they should? I'm pretty sure I would of been labled with this as a child and teenager, especially with my school refusal.