In the throes of our crisis time about two weeks ago, my mum asked me what she could do for me, so I said she could buy me this book about Pathological Demand Avoidance which I found on the Jessica Kingsley Publishers website. It arrived today, and I nearly laughed out loud when I read the descriptions of the children with the ASD-related PDA. If Bright Eyes doesn't fit into this category, you could shoot me dead with lead bullets and call me Ned Kelly. 

The characteristics of a child with PDA are these: a need to be in control - check, explosive behaviour - check, threatening language - check, wanting to be better than everyone - check, desiring friendships but sabotaging them - check, poor emotional regulation - check, variability in behaviour - check, and a few more as well.

Here's a quote: "Children with PDA may also use straightforward refusal or outbursts of explosive behaviour including violence. It is best to see these explosions as a form of panic on the part of the child. It is usually when their other strategies haven't worked or when their anxiety is too high and their tolerance is too low that they will explode or have a meltdown." 

Well, hello!

Chapter two, which I haven't read yet, is entitled, 'Positive Everyday Strategies'. There's also a chapter on classrooms and education, and emotional wellness for the child. I'm looking forward to it.