We're thrilled to announce that Harvey the Hedgehog: Why Don't I Feel Safe? by Lyndsay Critchlow is officially out now!. This beautifully written children's story provides a gentle introduction to the experiences of children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile within the autism spectrum characterised by an anxiety-driven need to avoid everyday demands and expectations. Harvey the Hedgehog likes knowing exactly what will happen next. So when a new path, a new

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, reach their potential, and feel valued within their community. Yet achieving this goal is not the responsibility of one individual, one service, or one organisation alone. It requires all of us families, educators, health professionals, social care teams, community groups, and leaders to work together with a shared commitment to placing children at the heart of everything we do. Children grow and develop in different ways, and t

I wanted to write this blog today as I am myself struggling a lot with my Neurodivergent traits, which often make everyday life quite challenging. The experience of navigating daily tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming, and I find myself grappling with various aspects of my neurodivergence that complicate even the simplest activities. In all honesty, the avoidance is real. There are days when the thought of engaging with the world outside feels insurmountable, and I often fi

I have recently come across some rather shocking statements made regarding pathological demand avoidance (PDA), a term that is often...