Autism and BPD can share overlapping symptoms, further complicating diagnosis. Both conditions may involve challenges in social interactions, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties with identity and sense of self. However, the underlying reasons for these symptoms differ. In autism, social difficulties stem from challenges in understanding social cues and norms, while in BPD, they arise from unstable self-image and intense fear of abandonment.

Demand avoidance is a concept that many parents encounter in their children's behavior. It's important to understand that demand avoidance, in general, is a normal part of human behavior. We all have moments when we resist doing something we're asked to do, whether it's a mundane task or a more challenging request. However, when demand avoidance becomes persistent and significantly impacts a child's functioning, it may be worth exploring further.

If you're reading this, chances are you've been on a journey to understand yourself better, seeking answers to questions that have lingered for far too long. You may have found yourself questioning whether you could be autistic, only to be met with dismissive responses or misdiagnoses from other providers. I understand the frustration, the uncertainty, and the fear that comes with feeling misunderstood and overlooked.

Understanding and supporting a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile of autism, can be a challenging journey. However, by adopting a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach, we can help our children to thrive. Let's dive into some strategies that can be helpful.

In this article, we will focus on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a distinct and often misunderstood profile of autism. PDA is a term coined by Elizabeth Newson in the 1980’s to describe a specific profile of autism characterized by extreme anxiety, demand avoidance, and a need for control. Some people prefer the term Pervasive Drive for Autonomy to represent PDA because of the desire to maintain control and autonomy in one’s environment. Unlike other forms of autism, individuals with PDA often display a high level of social understanding and can be highly skilled at masking their difficulties, making it challenging to identify their needs.

Picture yourself on a busy road, surrounded by the sights of honking horns, flashing lights, and relentless traffic. For many, this scenario is a mundane part of daily life, an activity that requires minimal effort and attention. However, for some individuals, driving can present a unique set of challenges that are often overlooked. In this blog post, we will discuss how autistic adults and adults with ADHD may be impacted while driving and share some tips for success. By shedding light on these challenges, we aim to promote understanding, empathy, and better support for individuals who may struggle while driving.

In this blog post, we are going to be reviewing some common signs of autism in adults. It is important to note that each autistic person has a unique experience and may have different strengths, challenges, and ways of coping. A neurodiversity-affirming approach to autism values and celebrates this diversity, instead of viewing autism as a problem to be fixed.