I have a 10 yo daughter with PDA autism (and ADHD) who decided to refuse her medication in early January. We have noticed a big difference from when she took them so we really want her to get back on them, but nothing we have tried works. Anyone with some experience they want to share? We are grasping for straws at this point. Help

  • @spainballOPEnglish
    3•10 months ago

    I strongly relate to the gift part, christmas was always very messy before we knew and could explain to her relatives and make the adaptations needed to make it as smooth as possible.

    Lately that exact video has been passed around in my extended family as well and everyone have reacted the same, “this explains a lot”. I will check out “I’m Autist, now what?” as well! Thanks for the tip.

    I have never heard the term panda in this context before today, thought it might be something cute I could tell her. But it looks like another rabbit hole of information to take a deep dive into

    • MadlaineEnglish
      1•10 months ago

      It’s a somewhat-common term (at least in my sub-bubble) for individuals with PDA traits.

      I got the term from the PDA societies flyer (here in germany PDA is quite unknown and one of the best ressources in german is the german translation of that flyer. sad…): https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/What-is-PDA-booklet-website-v2.1.pdf

      I cite:

      The giant panda is our ambassador, since they also need a tailored approach in order to thrive, and the letters P A N D A also provide a useful summary of helpful approaches …

      PICK BATTLES

      • minimise rules
      • enable some choice and control
      • explain reasons
      • accept that some things can’t be done

      ANXIETY MANAGEMENT

      • use low arousal approach
      • reduce uncertainty
      • recognise underlying anxiety and social/sensory challenges
      • think and plan ahead
      • treat meltdowns as panic attacks: support throughout and move on

      NEGOTIATION & COLLABORATION

      • keep calm
      • proactively collaborate and negotiate to solve challenges
      • fairness and trust are central

      DISGUISE & MANAGE DEMANDS

      • word requests indirectly
      • constantly monitor tolerance for demands and match demands accordingly
      • doing things together helps

      ADAPTATION

      • try humour, distraction, novelty and role play
      • be flexible
      • have a Plan B
      • allow plenty of time
      • try to balance the amount of “give and take”
      • @spainballOPEnglish
        1•10 months ago

        There is apparently a more medical part of it as well, being short for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections and supposedly connected to autism in some way