ADHD, Autism & PDA
AUTISM
An Australian Autistic-led charity, reframing the understanding of Autism through education, resources and research, underpinned by Autistic lived experience. A great first stop to begin learning about Autism and how to support Autistic people in your life in a Neurodiversity Affirming Way.
Autism Understood – Resource for Young People
A website about autism, for autistic young people. There is also a lot of misinformation about autism online, so we wanted to make sure there is a place where young people can find reputable information about autism. A team of autistic young people and autistic adults from Spectrum Gaming reviewed all content to make sure its affirming and can be understood by young people.
Building autism understanding in the community, influences policy change for autistic people and their families/supporters, and provides independent, credible information and resources to individuals, families, professionals, government and the wider community. Amaze runs Autism Connect a free, national autism helpline, providing independent and expert information over phone, email and webchat. Open 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday phone 1300 308 699
An autistic-led, non-government organisation with strong bridges to the community. We are dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of autistic girls and women1. We believe autistic individuals of all genders deserve to be recognised, valued, accepted and supported in order to realise their full potential.
Provides the independent, national capacity to develop and deliver evidence-based outcomes through our unique collaboration with the autism community, research organisations, education and health professionals, industry and government.
Dan is autistic with a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome he talks about life experience, help and tips for autistic individuals to feel motivated and inspired. Blog and podcast are both available.
Podcasts/Channels
Join Melissa and Sophie as they discuss various topics surrounding autism from personal viewpoints, own experience, the autistic community and academic research.
My Friend Autism with Orion Kelly
A podcast breaking down barriers, stigma and misconceptions around Autism, while raising the level of understanding, appreciation and acceptance of the Autistic community.
Animated Storytimes about her personal autism experiences and informational autism-related topics. Find more of her content on Instagram.
Books
The Brain Forest by Sandhya Menon
A celebration of neurodiversity for children! This book introduces young and old readers alike to the concept of neurodiversity and different neurotypes in the world. With vivid illustrations and stories it’s an introduction to the idea of accommodations, inclusion, and understanding for a
A Different Sort of Normal by Abigail Balfe
PDA
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a term used to describe a profile of autism that is characterised by an intense, pervasive drive for autonomy and a heightened sensitivity to demands that threaten that autonomy. For individuals with PDA, simple, everyday demands like putting on shoes or eating breakfast can trigger big emotional reactions that can be difficult for caregivers and loved ones to understand.
Information, training and support for PDA people, parents & carers, and professionals.
The Core Characteristics of Pathological Demand Avoidance explained by Dr. Megan Anna Neff from Neurodivergent Insights.
An encyclopedia of PDA (from the perspective of Sally Cat). A library of her helpful and informative graphic memes, also available on her Facebook page. I highly recommend the animated presentation about Internalised PDA she made for the 2022 PDA Space Summit.
Written by a neurodivergent OT who is also an Australian mum to an Autistic PDAer. There is great information available on her Facebook or Instagram pages.
Podcasts/Channels
The purpose of this channel is to raise both autism acceptance and awareness by helping to educate by looking at all facets of autism such as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), ADHD, Mental Health, and other related topics. A very personal podcast which is open about both the joys and challenges of life with a neurodiverse family and parenting Autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance.
ADHD
Individuals with ADHD deserve to receive the treatment and support they require in order to develop their strengths and abilities to their full potential, successfully navigate the multiple challenges of busy modern life, and – not just survive – but thrive! For this reason Thriving with ADHD is committed to increasing awareness and understanding around ADHD in the community.
Committed to providing ADHD help and support to people living with or supporting someone with ADHD. The Foundation works to make the lives of people with ADHD easier and simpler. Whether it’s accessing much-needed support, speaking to a trusted and professional community which can provide advice or simply being a safety network.
An online resource created by ADHD parent, Vivian Dunstan. Whether in Australia or globally, ADHD Support Australia strives to meet your needs as an ADHD parent/carer, adult, teen or professional.
ADHD explained with cute doodles. Regardless of where you are in your ADHD Journey there are still things to learn from their content.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
Often experienced by people who also have ADHD, RSD is when a person experiences severe emotional pain because of a failure or feeling rejected. People with RSD are also more likely to interpret vague interactions as rejection and may find it difficult to regulate rejection-related emotions and behaviours, making them much more intense.
Podcasts
A weekly podcast hosted by Jami, a nurse who has ADHD discussing all things ADHD.
AuDHD
Because AuDHD-ers may not present as typically autistic or typically ADHD, they may be less likely to be recognised or diagnosed. It is worthwhile considering what an AuDHD presentation could look like.
Research shows that anywhere between 50–70% of autistic people also have ADHD. So it’s important to explore how AuDHD (autism + ADHD) get combined together in AuDHD, along with the impact of when these traits combine.
Books
The Rainbow Brain by Sandhya Menon
The Rainbow Brain is an inspiring and colourful children’s book that describes what it’s like to be both autistic and ADHD. It is a neuro-affirming introduction to identity, designed to encourage children to explore and celebrate their uniqueness whilst understanding their accommodations.
The Amazing Discovery of the AuDHD Brain of …Me! By Adelle Sushames
Downloadable e-book (PDF) for Autistic and/or ADHD children and their families to explore what it means to be neurodivergent. Suitable for primary school aged children.
Podcasts
AuDHD Flourising by Mattia Mauree
The unique neurotype that is autism + ADHD has both strengths and challenges. Because most advice doesn’t work for us (especially if you also have a PDA profile), it can feel that everyone else is figuring things out while we’re struggling just to survive.
ADHDers to follow on Instagram
Autistic accounts on Instagram
Acknowledgment of Country
Heale Collab acknowledges the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation who are the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and learn. The Bunurong people always have and always will belong to the Werribee Yalook (river), stars, hills and red clay of this Country. We recognise their continued connection and role caring for Country over thousands of generations. We pay respect to their Elders past and present who continue to preserve and protect Country, culture and community.