All About PDA {Book Review}

All About PDA - an insight into Pathological Demand Avoidance - is the latest book published by author Kathy Hoopman. Kathy has previously written four other books in this series; All Cats Are On The Autism Spectrum, All Dogs Have ADHD, All Birds Have Anxiety and All About Dyspraxia.

(*Some of the underlined text and the pictures in this post are affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but it won't cost you any extra)

I loved the previous books so I was excited to have the chance to take a look at this one. I had my fingers tightly crossed, hoping that it would accurately reflect the world of PDA for those who are living it. I needn't have worried; Kathy has taken on board lots of feedback and advice from PDAers and it really shows in these pages.

Each page has a gorgeous animal photo; from squirrels to owls, dogs to pandas, rabbits and horses to giraffes and more! There are 65 glossy and beautiful pages that help to bring PDA to life, by using short informative statements that reflect the thoughts and feelings of PDAers. Of course I can't share them all here but a few examples should help give an idea of what to expect:

It’s all about how pressured and threatened PDAers feel when they are not in control of their own lives.

So, to keep that control, they resist and avoid demands put on them.

"Let’s make funny faces before we get dressed".

Some PDAers love doing things on a whim. If it’s fun, then even better.

PDAers are quite sensitive and may think people are really angry when they are only a little cross or frustrated.

If someone yells or barks a demand, a PDAer's anxiety can skyrocket.

"You did great!"

"Now you’ll expect it every time!"

Even being thanked or praised might make them feel pressured to do the same thing again, giving the other person control over them.

It might sound extreme but reading through this book brought a tear to my eye. I think that's because of the acknowledgement and recognition of a life that is both different and difficult to navigate for both PDAers and their families. 

In my opinion this book would be a great gift for wider family members or maybe even children or young adults who might recognise themselves in these pages. 

Available from Amazon here: All About PDA

"At last, we have a simple and insightful guide to PDA that uses humour and captivating photographs. Parents and professionals will read every page to discover and explore the world as experienced by someone who has a PDA profile."

Professor Tony Attwood MSc, PhD(Psych), AFBPsS, MAPS, FCCP, Clinical Psychologist 

"Cassie skilfully mystifies the PGA profile in this vibrant and engaging book; a delightful read for adults and children alike."

Sally Canadine, BScAPsyc(Hons),  BEd(Prim), GDipCouns, Registered Counsellor and Director of PDA Talk.  

"A wonderful book that simply but beautifully illustrates the characteristics of PDA."

Laura Kerbey MBPsS. BSc (Hons), PGCE, PGCE (Autism), NPQH, Founder of PAST

All about PDA follows in the Best-selling footsteps of Kathy Hoopmans All Cats Are On The Autism Spectrum, All Dogs Have ADHD and All Birds Have Anxiety. Through engaging text and full-colour photographs, this book shows how PDAers see and experience the world and highlights the unique characteristics that make them special.

A perfect introduction to PDA for those recently diagnosed, as well as their families, friends and the people who work with them.

To see my reviews of the other books in this series please visit All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum {Book Review}.

The books can be found on Amazon by following these links:

All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum

All Birds Have Anxiety

All Dogs Have ADHD

All About Dyspraxia