I’m Rebecca, mother to a remarkable ten year old autistic boy, JJ, who fits the PDA profile of Autism. I gave up my job as a part-time marketing manager in November 2020 to become his full-time parent-carer. We live in a coastal town in Dorset, in the south-west of England with JJ’s dad and our dog, Peanut.
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is a complex profile of the autism spectrum. It affects how a person thinks, feels and learns and is characterised by an anxiety-driven need to remain in control. Parenting JJ is challenging, exciting, experimental, beautiful and frustrating – often all at the same time.
This blog is a window on my bumpy journey as a parent, as I help JJ navigate his own path by adapting our family life and expectations, empowering myself with knowledge and trying to redefine my understanding of parenting.
I’m passionate about autism and PDA and always try to be an advocate for neurodiverse people. I promise never to child shame or blame. And I’m always willing to adapt and learn. When there is so little formal help available, connecting with other parents on social media has been a lifeline for me, so please have a read and do let me know what you think.
I was shortlisted for the BAPS SEND Bloggers Best Newcomer award in 2021, and am listed as a trusted resource on the PDA Society website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
A Boy Less Ordinary 