Harriet Tubman: PDA Extraordinaire

Our society prizes conformity and compliance above all else, individuals with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) are misunderstood, marginalized, and even villainized. However, by reframing our perspective and recognizing the unique strengths and contributions of those with PDA, we can begin to see them not as a problem to be fixed, but as a gift to be celebrated and embraced.

The Courage to Resist lies at the heart of PDA. It is an unwavering commitment to autonomy and a fierce resistance to external demands and subjugation. While these traits can be challenging in a world that values obedience and conformity, they are also a source of great courage and integrity. Individuals with PDA have a remarkable ability to stay true to themselves and their values, even in the face of immense pressure and opposition.

Throughout history, we have seen the transformative power of this kind of courage. Harriet Tubman, the legendary abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad, is a shining example of how PDA traits serve the greater good. Tubman’s resistance to the demands of a slave holding society and her refusal to be controlled were not merely acts of defiance, but a profound moral stance against injustice and oppression. Her PDA was not a disorder to be cured, but a gift that enabled her to challenge and ultimately dismantle a brutal system of slavery. Had…