u/thunders_fun_house

I constantly see parents asking for reassurance that their young PDAers will turn out "ok." It made me wonder about the PDA adults among us. We didn't experience what the young PDAers of today are; they (some) have the ability to go into fight/flight, whereas most of us had to freeze/fawn (or be institutionalized/severely punished). It makes it hard to predict their futures compared to ours (and of course, if you've met one PDAer, you've met one PDAer), but still, I wonder, as a PDA adult, who you are?

​I'm 38, attempting to study a postgrad in Autism despite not having a bachelor's degree. I'm a carer/parent, I have had more jobs in my life than I can count, and I've started and not completed more courses and businesses than I care to remember.

​I wouldn't be here without my child. Before them, I would burn out on every job/course/commitment with no understanding of why; I would contemplate giving up more and more each time. My child is the one thing I cannot/would not/have not quit, and that's saying something because it is the hardest job in the world—the parental bond seems strong in us. I am medicated to support the high level of demands I face each day.

​My days are spent parenting/caring and looking after our mini zoo (don't ask) and now trying to study. I have no formal routine or commitments, but I am bound by my child's needs, which can feel very constrictive.

​Nice to meet you :).

Hi all, I am looking for a (paid) mentor for my 9 year old daughter. She has an Autistic behaviour profile called PDA and due to her drive for autonomy is very much 9 going on 19. I am looking for big sister style friends for her that are great influences. She loves all things girly; makeup, music, dance, nails, content creation, Roblox, swimming and giggling and being silly! She has a dopamine deficiency so requires regular excitement and almost constant engagement. Hours are flexible and open to negotiation as is the pay. We home school (child led learning by necessity) and she is learning Bahasa Indonesian and Spanish, we would be very welcoming of international students that are allowed to work. We are in the northern suburbs of Adelaide so you do need a car and licence. Please let me know if this sounds like a great job for you!

Hi all, I am looking for a (paid) mentor for my 9 year old daughter. She has an Autistic behaviour profile called PDA and due to her drive for autonomy is very much 9 going on 19. I am looking for big sister style friends for her that are great influences. She loves all things girly; makeup, music, dance, nails, content creation, Roblox, swimming and giggling and being silly! She has a dopamine deficiency so requires regular excitement and almost constant engagement. Hours are flexible and open to negotiation as is the pay. We home school (child led learning by necessity) and she is learning Bahasa Indonesian and Spanish, we would be very welcoming of international students that are allowed to work. We are in the northern suburbs of Adelaide so you do need a car and licence. Please let me know if this sounds like a great job for you! I am posting here specifically as we aren't too far from the Mawson Lakes Campus.