Not Going Out

Regular visitors may remember that I’ve mentioned ‘Appy’s sensory difficulties a few times. I’ve not really expanded on the subject, but a couple of recent comments have made me think it might be helpful if I gave you a bit more information.
Just before Christmas she was diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a condition on the Autistic Spectrum. This was no surprise to LOH & me, a from our own reading we’d realised that a PDA profile fitted her perfectly, & explained her more challenging behaviour.
Basically, PDA means her anxiety level is running high almost all the time, & demands beyond her control can trigger explosive meltdowns or OCD type behaviour. These demands can be as basic as the need to eat, the need to sleep, to wear clothes or go to the loo.
School attendance has evaporated as she’s unable to cope with noisy, crowded environments. And if she’s touched, or even brushed against inadvertently, by anyone other than LOH or me, she can need to change her clothes or have a bath.
So today felt a bit special, as she felt well enough to go to the shops. The first time we’ve been out as a family since before Christmas, & only the third time she’s left the house this year.
I actually felt quite emotional as we sat on the bus together. Proud of her that she was managing to do something that she clearly finds very hard. Even if she had to do it ‘commando’!