PDAers are autistic people whose sense of safety depends on feeling in control. Too often, they're seen as difficult, not distressed. That misunderstanding can have devastating consequences. Your donation helps us provide trusted information, training and support that changes, and saves, lives.
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PDA is widely misunderstood. The anxiety-driven need for autonomy is often mistaken for defiance, leaving children and adults (and often their carers) blamed instead of supported. This misunderstanding leads to exclusion, poor mental health and, too often, crisis. In our 2023 survey, 84% of PDA adults and 40% of PDA children said they had considered taking their own lives. PDAers and their families should not have to reach crisis before they are understood.
The PDA Society is the UK's only charity dedicated to the PDA profile of autism. We help PDAers and their families be seen, understood and supported by providing trusted information, practical support, training and research. Our website has helped millions of people access information and resources, more than 20,000 parents and professionals have completed our training, and our support service has provided direct support to more than 10,000 PDAers and their families.