The Insider Guide to PDA
by Sally Cat; Brook Madera
You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Jan 21 2026 | Archive Date Jan 31 2026
Talking about this book? Use #TheInsiderGuidetoPDA #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
"Don't tell me what to do" - everyone's said it (or thought it!), but for the PDA brain it's a tenet that makes everyday tasks a constant challenge. Whether it's a request from a friend or a social expectation to do something, pathological demand avoidance can throw a bucket of ice water on your motivation, or create anxiety that builds up and boils over as a meltdown.
In this essential primer, PDAers Sally Cat and Brook Madera explain what PDA is, how it manifests, and what you can do to minimise its impact. They explore its interaction with other forms of neurodivergence, potential misdiagnosis as a multitude of other conditions and disorders, and how it actually feels in reality. They also highlight the positives of PDA life, as shared by other PDAers and their loved ones.
Whether you're a PDAer yourself, or know one and want to support them, this Insider Guide will help you understand what PDA is and how to live with it.
Advance Praise
Diane Gould, Founder & Executive Director PDA North America
It was a privilege to read The Insider's Guide to PDA by Sally Cat and Brook Madera. They are both such talented individuals and leaders in the PDA community. They share their experiences and beliefs about PDA in this well-named book that covers so much.
Chris Wenger, a.k.a. Speech Dude, neurodiversity-affirming speech-language pathologist
This guide is essential for anyone who wants to move beyond outdated, behavior-based interpretations of PDA. It fills a crucial gap by revealing the nervous-system roots of PDA and offering an affirming, relationship-centered path toward safety, connection, and growth.
Kathleen Duncan, LMFT, An Autistic Guide
I'd like to give this book a HUGE standing ovation! It is a beautiful, straight forward and timely exploration of PDA that honors our community, guides professionals, and can educate our loved ones with the hope of facilitating neurotype affirming community and care for us all.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781399830690 |
| PRICE | £14.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 176 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 6 members
Featured Reviews
I found this really interesting. My son has PDA and we are always learning more and more about him as he ages and is able to communicate. It's hard understanding how he will function as an adult because he doesn't do well in school. School is so full of demands. He typically spends the day with a one on one and does his own schedule.
The other big thing we see is he clings to a certain friend at school and we noticed it is a pattern to ease his anxiety. He doesn't understand it and can't communicate clearly. It's definitely a challenge raising a child that has PDA.
You also mention kids hiding pain. My son is the opposite and injuries and illness causes heightened anxiety. To the point he wants to go to the emergency for a cut.
I found the fawn and flop very interesting as I've not heard about that before. There was a lot of new information mixed with old. And while some was not accurate for my child, it's a spectrum so I understand how it can be different for everyone. I imagine this could be continually expanded as more information is learned.
There was also a lot of information about different theories and a lot of information I found interesting.
A lot was relatable as we don't have proper diagnosis in the USA for PDA, we have been told it is ODD. But we had proper testing for autism and he did signify he most likely had PDA. So I mean there is always the chance he doesn't. So with that all in mind, I do think it is worth reading and learning about PDA. I wish more people took the time to learn. This book is so valuable for those who don't know what PDA is. Our school staff has learned over the last couple of years to best support our child and I think this would be helpful for them too.
This was a very informative book, interesting too and made me question a lot of my children’s behaviours. Not only does it cover PDA but it covers autism and other related health conditions so it’s more a handbook. I could see this being very useful for people working in the field or if a parent of a child with needs.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Lexi Davis
New Adult, Romance, Women's Fiction