Life on an Alien Planet

Katie Stott's vivid and honest account provides a compelling insight into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). The book follows the journey of her son, Fraser and the sudden change that occurred in him when starting primary school, aged just four. Katie recounts the difficulty both she and the school staff had understanding Fraser's extreme behaviours until he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome and PDA. Full of useful advice and observations, Katie provides a detailed account of the PDA specific behaviours in Fraser and how she learnt to lessen the impact of these but focusing on the cause (anxiety and a need for control), rather than the effect. Katie explains with clarity how Fraser's sensory issues also contributed to his every day challenges at school as he became increasingly isolated from his classmates and faced risk of expulsion when the school became unable to cope. The book goes on to explore Katie's fight to gain recognition of PDA in school and despite significant obstacles, the way she eventually managed to secure an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and a specialist school so that Fraser could learn, make friends and thrive once again.Packed with advice, it also provides an invaluable reference on how to ensure PDA children get the support they need and the options available to special educational needs (SEN) children who are struggling in the mainstream school environment. A detailed resource for parents and families of children with PDA, along with teachers, SENCO's and those who work alongside children in the education system.