Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA)

What is Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA)?

Persistent to drive for autonomy is a profile of the autism spectrum. It refers to a neurological difference that causes people to have heightened responses to demands. When the person with PDA feels that something is out of their control, their brains perceive it as a direct threat. It causes their bodies and brains to activate a flight, fight, freeze, or fawn response. A lot of people see those with PDA as defiant, but it doesn’t always present this way. People with PDA may mask and internally have a lot of distress. The accommodations to help preserve autonomy will be perceived as radical, but they are necessary.

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[ladystardust]

Absolutely. I can't even express how useful this is to me. This bothers me every single moment. Thank you, Thank you! ❤
Can you do one on intolerance of uncertainty please?

[theiabodium]

Ive been around on youtube within autistic online communities for well over a year now, I went through a late diagnosis process and have been unpacking so much, and some how I just now found your channel. This is some of the best, most accepting, and most sensory friendly autism discussion and education channel I have seen, im kind of blown away. Thank you for all that you do on here, and I hope that your channel doesn't stay so underrated for too much longer. I am sure there are a lot of others out there who could use to see what you make here to help them personally or to help a loved one.

Also for this video specifically I love the move away from the version of PDA that has such negative connotations to it. Persistant Drive for Autonomy is a much better way to describe it for so many reasons, and I had not heard of it until seeing this video.

[dynhoyw]

things start to make so much more sense the more i watch these videos.

thank you so much! hopefully i don't forget about your channel once i get done with the diagnosis.

[SkeletalSculptor]

This, and the way it is presented, are comforting. I was high masking for a great deal of my life, albeit with the constant suffering, periodic breakdowns and burnouts that were the price to be paid. At 53 I finally shattered completely, and got my official ASD diagnosis while pursuing Social Security Disability. I find it very distressing to be in a place where I *know* that compliance with certain requirements would better my chances of a successful outcome, speed the process, and likely allow me to avoid some other steps that are difficult/insurmountable for me in my current state. Seeing your video has helped prevent me from sliding back into the lifelong ableist self-contempt and blaming for “character flaws” that are actually the result of how my brain is wired. I do also have the comfort of having had brain mapping done by an internationally respected neurologist that shows clearly, and *proves* that I am wired dramatically and profoundly different than the vast majority of the population...still, I need reminders like your video. Thank you!

[ericxb]

important breakdown. i work with someone who is less masking than i am and there are times when they are triggered and need a wider berth with certain things.
you explained this really well🦉.

[mozie]

I only recently learned about PDA but it explains so much about my life and also a lot of kids I've worked with. I wish I'd have known about it sooner, but I'm glad people are finally doing research and learning about it and spreading information like this, because it's really helpful.

[lindsayadams]

Is there any possible chance you could make a video about this same subject, but how to adapt for this in a home setting? My family struggles with this very topic so much it’s an every-single-day problem that can quite literally ruin the entire day, and subsequently destroys my son emotionally for quite some time. Until seeing this video, I couldn’t even put into words what was happening, or describe it to somebody who could! I was would cut off my legs for some guidance on how to deal with an 8 year old boy (who seems to live on the cliff of rage) who refuses to clean up after himself in any way, or do any regular life tasks without 100% support, or losing his mind altogether and has a melt down of epic proportions. I am by no means blaming him! I know this is my problem to address with everybody, but I don’t know how! HELP PLEASE!!! Thank you so much for everything you’ve put out for us all to learn from!! You’re making positive changes in the world that it needs so badly!!

[lilliestanley]

Apologies, but that's not something I can do. What I mean is, take the blame. First, I struggle with lying. Second, I was raised in narcissism. And third, I value honesty. For example, what I do with my kids at least, I'll warn them (because my OCD lets me notice the little things that potentially could make you trip) and then if they don't listen and trip, I'll console them and let them know that everything's ok. However, I can't take the blame for something I didn't do, but I also won't blame them. We'll just sit there until we can talk. But that's just how we handle things. I have a lot of neurodivergent in my family, so we've figured out what works best for us. But I do believe you should do it however works best for you and the people you're with. Best wishes and good luck ✌️ peace and love ❤️

[tomasvoldrich]

My worst PDA experience was when I needed to find a new dentist but my mum was telling me "You should find new dentist soon" almost every week. So what happened ? For 9 months of pain, toothaches etc. I had been delaying the search for new dentist until she finally stopped to remind it to me so I could on my own decision find the dentist and start repairing my teeth 🤦🤦‍♂

[AuDHDID]

I love your videos but autism really isn't a spectrum. We all have a totally unique profile and no 2 people are alike, even if we share common autistic traits.