Parenting PDA: A Guide to Understanding and Supporting Your Child's Highly Sensitive Nervous System

By Rike Brand

Parenting Beyond Power Struggles

PDA-Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy-is a neurodivergent profile that can create real challenges for families. It calls for one thing above all: a fundamental shift in perspective.

Parenting PDA brings together current research with the lived experiences of more than 30 parents to show what PDA really means-and why conventional parenting approaches so often fail with these children's highly sensitive nervous systems.

This compassionate guide supports parents from the earliest signs through the diagnostic process. It offers proven strategies to move out of survival mode and toward a more connected, sustainable family life.

Based on the German #1 category bestseller Neustart PDA

With a foreword by Amanda Diekman

"After years of doubt, this book finally made it clear: my daughter is PDA. The voices and insights in the book gave me validation, a deeper understanding, and the courage to stand up for my child with unwavering confidence."
- Gloria H., parent of a 7-year-old PDA daughter

"A must-read for anyone working in autism services. This book delivers a long-overdue rethink, illuminating the experiences of children who don't respond to traditional approaches-and of the parents who advocate for them."
- Leonie Bajohr, social worker (M.A.) and autism expert

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3000860037
• ISBN13: 9783000860034
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Rike Brand
• Length: 398 Pages
• Weight: 1.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"