The PDA Paradox, Harry Thompson
The PDA Paradox, Harry Thompson
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The PDA Paradox
The Highs and Lows of My Life on a Little-Known Part of the Autism Spectrum

Author: Harry Thompson, Felicity Evans

Narrator: Elliot Chapman

Unabridged: 5 hr 9 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: John Murray

Published: 03/25/2021

Synopsis

A memoir by an adult with PDA, reflecting back on his early childhood through to present day.

Diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in his teenage years, Harry Thompson looks back with wit and humour at the ups and downs of family and romantic relationships, school, work and mental health, as well as his teenage struggle with drugs and alcohol.

By embracing neurodiversity and emphasising that autistic people are not flawed human beings, Thompson demonstrates that some merely need to take the "scenic route" in order to flourish and reach their full potential. The memoir brings to life Harry's past experiences and feelings, from his torrid time at school to the peaceful and meaningful moments when he is alone with a book, writing or creating YouTube videos.

Eloquent and insightful, The PDA Paradox will bring readers to shock, laughter and tears through its overwhelming honesty. It is a turbulent memoir, but it ends with hope and a positive outlook to the future.

(P)2021 Jessica Kingsley Publishers

About Harry Thompson

Harry Thompson was a highly successful television producer for the hit shows Have I Got News for You, They Think It's All Over and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and was also the author of a number of non-fiction bestsellers including Peter Cook, The Biography. He wrote for most of the national newspapers, especially on travel, and was nominated for Travel Journalist of the Year. He died in November 2005.Harry Thompson invented many TV comedy hits such as Have I Got News For You and Da Ali G Show. He was the author of several acclaimed bestsellers, including PETER COOK: A BIOGRAPHY and PENGUINS STOPPED PLAY, as well as a historical novel, THIS THING OF DARKNESS which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. He worked as a producer at Talkback TV and in his spare time he ran the infamous cricket team, the Captain Scott XI. Harry Thompson died in 2005.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Andrea on November 01, 2019

It was OK. It was not amazing, although with some editing and maybe some structure it could have been better. I learned about another way of being autistic (one that is completely opposite to my way of being) and about the things that privileged people can get away with - by privileged I mean Britis......more

Goodreads review by Emily on November 16, 2021

I really enjoyed this book. It helps that my mind works in similar ways to Harry. I was able to follow his entertwining paths through various stories and ideas. If you like straightforward stories with few tangents, this book is not for you. If you like a simple vocabulary that doesn't require a dic......more

Goodreads review by Willow on December 16, 2020

I picked this up to get a better understanding of PDA. I’m not sure that I came away much more informed. As they say, if you meet one person on the autism spectrum, you’ve met ONE person on the spectrum. Harry is extremely extroverted and his history is clouded by heavy drug and alcohol use. This st......more

Goodreads review by A.R. on October 15, 2020

Great Inner look at PDA My daughter was diagnosed with PDA and ADHD this year and this book was invaluable to seeing behind the mask she already wears to face the world at 11 years old. She’s a beautiful, intelligent and kind soul. Harry has helped me slow down and see her when she is going a million......more

Goodreads review by Caroline Moss on November 21, 2021

I was hanging on Harry’s every word. What an insight this has given me into my own child. I truly hope my whole family reads it now so that they can begin to understand the life we lead and most importantly our son lives. So many similarities. Harry says it how it is. He’s funny too. Wish I’d read i......more

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