Thanks, this is super helpful as a parent of a soon-to-be adolescent. My kids aren’t diagnosed PDA (because it’s not a thing in the US) but are ADHD/AuDHD and I highly suspect it- their nervous systems really struggle with demands. They are both super imaginative. My daughter has bee in theater since she was 6 and loves RP video games. My son is dressed up as a character 24/7. My husband is into role playing games and was in theater when he was young. I’m surrounded by undiagnosed PDAers and have struggled to understand them while not pushing against their nervous system needs. This framing is helpful!
This is a great article and insight. I feel the theatricality also overlaps with masking. I often enjoy masking because it’s a lot like stepping in to a character.
I’m just finishing up a piece which is about my theatrical side and my performances as a kid, both in the formal sense and in the sense of pretending to be different characters at any one time. Would you mind if I sent it to you when I’m finished ? I’ve yet to find someone with that common ground so I’d love your thoughts.
As an ADHD adult (mother, wife and so forth) I have always struggled with motivating myself to do what some consider everyday things like cleaning, dishes…laundry. And when it comes to BIG things, like tackling my son’s bedroom (he’s off in the Army now) for a place my sister can stay while visiting I prefer doing it alone. Why? Because if anyone helps, I can’t jump into my imagination, and lose myself in battles and adventures while cleaning!
I ah e never heard of PDA, and so much of what you have written resonates deep within me. I HATE being told what to do- especially when it comes from someone (mainly my hubby) as a “reminder”. It irritates me to my bones and causes me to procrastinate even more.
Thank you for sharing! Now I don’t feel like a silly person pretending in my brain!!!
I loved this piece so much! Our PDA son loves role play, and I’ve honestly found that it’s easiest to get him to comply when I enter his imaginary world (or use a ln acceptable bribe). But it’s so helpful learning about it from someone who’s on the inside of the experience. Thank you, super insightful 🫶🏻✨
Omg, the whole section on theater and role-play!!! I've said since high school that acting for me was about navigating truth (after an acquaintance said that she'd be a terrible actor because she's a terrible liar, and I took it personally). *The emotions are real, but the circumstances are not, which gives you freedom.* I always felt like I was more myself when I was in character - more able to access myself freely, but I've never heard anyone else say that in 47 years! Annnd subscribe.
So happy to hear that she has a hobby that brings her joy! I’ve been playing for 20 years now, and personally, D&D has done as much for my mental health as actual therapy.
Thanks, this is super helpful as a parent of a soon-to-be adolescent. My kids aren’t diagnosed PDA (because it’s not a thing in the US) but are ADHD/AuDHD and I highly suspect it- their nervous systems really struggle with demands. They are both super imaginative. My daughter has bee in theater since she was 6 and loves RP video games. My son is dressed up as a character 24/7. My husband is into role playing games and was in theater when he was young. I’m surrounded by undiagnosed PDAers and have struggled to understand them while not pushing against their nervous system needs. This framing is helpful!
This is so insightful and really helpful in terms of understanding my daughter.
Thank you!
This is a great article and insight. I feel the theatricality also overlaps with masking. I often enjoy masking because it’s a lot like stepping in to a character.
100%, it *absolutely* overlaps with masking, at least for me.
I’m just finishing up a piece which is about my theatrical side and my performances as a kid, both in the formal sense and in the sense of pretending to be different characters at any one time. Would you mind if I sent it to you when I’m finished ? I’ve yet to find someone with that common ground so I’d love your thoughts.
I’d love that!!
As an ADHD adult (mother, wife and so forth) I have always struggled with motivating myself to do what some consider everyday things like cleaning, dishes…laundry. And when it comes to BIG things, like tackling my son’s bedroom (he’s off in the Army now) for a place my sister can stay while visiting I prefer doing it alone. Why? Because if anyone helps, I can’t jump into my imagination, and lose myself in battles and adventures while cleaning!
I ah e never heard of PDA, and so much of what you have written resonates deep within me. I HATE being told what to do- especially when it comes from someone (mainly my hubby) as a “reminder”. It irritates me to my bones and causes me to procrastinate even more.
Thank you for sharing! Now I don’t feel like a silly person pretending in my brain!!!
You’re definitely not alone in this!
I loved this piece so much! Our PDA son loves role play, and I’ve honestly found that it’s easiest to get him to comply when I enter his imaginary world (or use a ln acceptable bribe). But it’s so helpful learning about it from someone who’s on the inside of the experience. Thank you, super insightful 🫶🏻✨
Thank you!
Omg, the whole section on theater and role-play!!! I've said since high school that acting for me was about navigating truth (after an acquaintance said that she'd be a terrible actor because she's a terrible liar, and I took it personally). *The emotions are real, but the circumstances are not, which gives you freedom.* I always felt like I was more myself when I was in character - more able to access myself freely, but I've never heard anyone else say that in 47 years! Annnd subscribe.
I loved reading this comment! So glad this landed for you.
There’s so much in here that I imagine our PDA daughter would relate to - Dungeons and Dragons is her happy place!
So happy to hear that she has a hobby that brings her joy! I’ve been playing for 20 years now, and personally, D&D has done as much for my mental health as actual therapy.
I can imagine that for her too, and I hope she carries on for as long as you have!