Review- The PDA paradox

The PDA Paradox by Thompson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This short memoir details the struggles of the author to find a place in the world after he was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and PDA (pathological demand avoidance, although Thompson has elsewhere given it an alternative title of 'persistent demand for autonomy'). The book is structured roughly chronologically, although is written in a stream of consciousness style. The author doesn't describe PDA (or anything else) systematically, but instead gives illustrates of how he thinks with a series of instructive examples, largely based around his experiences in school, various workplaces, and during different types of relationships.

Thompson doesn't seem to mind portraying himself as dislikeable. He describes many instances where he puts other people in danger or is actively abusive, such as when he drives when drunk or on drugs, punches a boy in the face for asking why he went quiet during a period of anxiety, and pisses in the butter of a housemate. The author doesn't offer excuses for these episodes, but the way they are told- as engaging anecdotes, creates a sense that they should be seen as in some way praiseworthy- as expressions of freedom or as a refusal to follow rules. In this way, it isn't clear whether the author is emotionally honest, or alternatively, somewhat slippery in how they are presenting themselves (or perhaps both). For example, the anecdote of the boy who was punched in the face would have had a very different tone if it was told in a more straightforward fashion, and focused on how badly he was injured. It is noteworthy that Thompson comes from a wealthy background, which perhaps explains why the worst punishment described for any of his behaviour is to be expelled from a series of schools.

It would be wrong to criticism the book for being unsystematic, as it is not intended to be an analytic review of PDA, but it is a shame that Thompson's wider thoughts about autism and the school system are so shallow. At several points, he suggests that children should be allowed to 'find their own path', and criticises schools and workplaces for their authoritarianism. And these positions are entirely reasonable, of course. But disciplinary practices are not wholly unreasonable impositions. People need to be prevented from drink and drug driving, from punching other boys in the face, and so on. Maybe it is too much to expect from a memoir, but passages where the author gave his personal philosophy were too often just annoying.

The book is a success in describing a way of being autistic that is very rarely presented. In his description of himself, Thompson seems very charismatic and engaging, and chaotic in his lifestyle, although he seems to be pattern seeking in some respects. Furthermore, he acknowledges that he has a tendency to want to dominate conversations. There is little autistic representation of characters of this nature, making it an interesting example of representation, and a worthwhile read.



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