[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”80px||80px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Questions siblings may ask about PDA” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” title_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”center” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Growing up in a home with a PDAer can have some challenges. Both younger and older children are likely to have questions about PDA and their sibling\u2019s needs. This page may help you to answer some of the more common questions being asked.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||24px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”My sibling has PDA \u2013 what does that mean?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile of autism. This means your sibling experiences the world differently to people who do not have PDA. They may find everyday activities feel overwhelming. To help them cope with this they need to feel in control as much as possible. Avoiding demands is how they automatically try to lower their anxiety.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Some autistic people find it tricky to socialise with others and communicate easily. They might struggle to understand their own feelings or how other people respond to them.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Your sibling might also have a special interest in something which makes them feel happy and excited. They may want to talk about this and share what they know with you.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
You might notice that your sibling has sensory differences and notices smells and sounds when you do not.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
There may be other behaviours you notice in your sibling which are part of their PDA profile. Some PDAers also have other conditions too. If you would like to understand more about your sibling\u2019s needs, you can ask your family about any other diagnoses your sibling may have.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||24px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_heading title=”Can I get it too?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
PDA isn\u2019t something you can catch like a cold. It\u2019s simply the way that a person is born.\u00a0 Even though you have the same parents you can still have different colour eyes or hair. In the same way your sibling may be autistic with a PDA profile, and you are not.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_heading title=”Will it go away?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
PDA is part of who your sibling is. As they get older your sibling might learn ways to manage their energy levels and anxiety which might make life a bit easier. Your family may also find ways to better support their needs with time. This can make things feel easier as you all grow and learn together.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”My sibling doesn\u2019t look disabled. Are they really autistic\/PDA?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Autism is often described as a \u201chidden disability\u201d because it doesn\u2019t change how someone looks. Many PDAers are good at hiding their struggles, especially at school or in public.\u00a0 This is called \u2018masking\u2019.\u00a0 They are more likely to show their anxieties more at home, where they feel safest.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Why does my sibling\u2019s mood change so quickly?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For many PDAers anxiety can be building up without them realising. Then something will just tip the balance, and they react. This might look like a quick change in mood but could have been building up. This isn\u2019t something they can control, it\u2019s just how their brain reacts to stress.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It can be useful to think of a PDAers\u2019 anxiety like a bottle of fizzy drink. The bottle rolls around in your bag during the day and shakes up and down as you run home. You throw your bag down on the floor and get the bottle out to open it. The drink whooshes out all over the place. You didn\u2019t realise that the bubbles had been building up all day and the final drop caused it to spill out.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What is a panic attack or meltdown?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When a PDAer\u2019s anxiety gets too high, they may have a panic attack or meltdown. This can look different for each person. Some might shout, cry, break things, or lash out. Others might go completely quiet, hide, or even fall asleep.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Meltdowns aren\u2019t tantrums. They aren\u2019t a choice, and your sibling may not remember what happened afterward. It\u2019s not their fault or yours, it\u2019s just how their brain responds to extreme stress.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Why does my sibling always want to be with me and control what we do?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n PDAers often focus intensely on people rather than objects or interests. Your sibling may want to spend all their time with you and decide what you do together. This can feel overwhelming.\u00a0 It\u2019s okay to ask your parent\/carer for help to get some time and space for yourself.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”How can I help?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You might not always get it right, and that\u2019s okay. The more you learn about your sibling, the more you\u2019ll understand what helps.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Why does my sibling have different rules?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sometimes, your sibling may seem to \u201cget away\u201d with things that you can\u2019t. This isn\u2019t because your parents\/carers are being unfair. Your parents\/carers need to carefully choose what demands are placed on your PDA sibling to try and keep their anxiety levels down. For example, if your sibling refuses to go to bed, your parents might give them some extra time to get used to the idea. By going at their own pace, they may get to bed later but avoid having a meltdown. It doesn\u2019t mean the rules don\u2019t apply, just that they might need to be handled differently.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Are my feelings normal?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Yes! It\u2019s completely normal to feel frustrated, upset, or even angry at times. You might feel like your sibling gets more attention or that things aren\u2019t fair. You might also feel protective of them or guilty when things are difficult. All these feelings are valid.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The most important thing is to talk to someone you trust. This might be your parents, another family member, a teacher, or a support group. You don\u2019t have to deal with your feelings alone.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Here are some places that offer support for siblings:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Should I tell my friends my sibling has PDA?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If your sibling is old enough you should check with them first.\u00a0 Ask if they consent to having you share information about them. If they agree then you might find it helpful to talk to trusted friends about your homelife. If you\u2019re unsure what to do, talking to your parents might help you decide what feels right.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Where can I find more information?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Your parents are the best people to ask about your sibling\u2019s needs. If you have questions, don\u2019t be afraid to talk to them, they want to help. Learning more about PDA can make things easier for you and your family.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Growing up in a home with a PDAer can have some challenges. Both younger and older children are likely to have questions about PDA and their sibling\u2019s needs. This page may help you to answer some of the more common questions being asked.Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile of autism. This means your sibling experiences the world differently to people who do not have PDA. They may find everyday activities feel overwhelming. To help them cope with this they need to feel in control as much as possible. Avoiding demands is how they automatically try to lower their anxiety.Some autistic people find it tricky to socialise with others and communicate easily. They might struggle to understand their own feelings or how other people respond to them.Your sibling might also have a special interest in something which makes them feel happy and excited. They may want to talk about this and share what they know with you.You might notice that your sibling has sensory differences and notices smells and sounds when you do not.There may be other behaviours you notice in your sibling which are part of their PDA profile. Some PDAers also have other conditions too. If you would […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":8181,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"course_tag":[313,324],"class_list":["post-9554","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","course_tag-family","course_tag-siblings"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9554","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9554"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9554\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9554"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"course_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/course_tag?post=9554"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
<\/span><\/li>\n
<\/span><\/li>\n\n