However, some children may be diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder but don't quite seem to fit the diagnosis. What about the ASD child with a vivid imagination and a sophisticated vocabulary, who appears sociable and chatty, who loves acting and has no fear of facing a large audience? This doesn't sound too much like ASD.
Such children are often skilled at avoiding things they don't 'want' to do. They will go to great lengths to wriggle out of the task or avoid even routine tasks like getting dressed, doing homework or going shopping with their parents. When such children are pushed to do the unwanted task the outcome is likely to be a meltdown, which looks very much like a child having a toddler tantrum, but can last for much, much longer.
Living with these less usual aspects of ASD is challenging - day-to-day life has to be by negotiation if you're lucky, or avoidance or the whole family faces the consequences.
Research has now identified certain aspects of behaviour seen in particular groups of children and defined such behaviours as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Oh dear! Another set of initials, another label!
A child with PDA will avoid the ordinary everyday tasks of life, even though they appear sociable. This sociability however lacks depth of understanding. They will be comfortable in role play, acting etc, and even though they probably had a slow start with language development they are articulate and persuasive. They suffer from extreme mood swings and are impulsive, and may behave in obsessive ways. As with any developmental condition children can be affected to varying degrees.
At the root of this group of behaviours is an ongoing anxiety which drives the child to avoid the things that they are anxious about. They can appear manipulative and controlling in their extreme anxiety and need to avoid situations. The levels of anxiety can frequently escalate leading the child to put him or herself or other members of the family in danger. Their parents are often accused of poor parenting through lack of understanding by the professionals, teachers or others.
Recognition of this condition is patchy, and sometimes professionals are confused by the child who appears socially adept and displays a vivid imagination. However, a correct diagnosis enables parents and schools to be supported in implementing appropriate management strategies.
The more this condition is written and talked about the more understanding there will be for the children suffering from it and the more chance there is of them getting the support they so badly need. Please feel free to comment and discuss or ask questions. It's only by getting this condition 'out there' that pressure will build for the appropriate support.
If you would like to sign the Government petition to raise awareness of this difficult condition, here's the link:
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