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.