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Every great pilot learns their cockpit. This is yours. 💛
PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance — but we like to think of it differently.
PDA is a profile of autism where your nervous system is wired to detect and resist demands. This isn't a choice — it's how your cockpit is built. Your brain is always scanning for threats, even when things seem fine.
PDA pilots often feel like their alarm system is turned up to maximum. Small things can feel very big. Unexpected changes can feel unsafe. This uses up enormous amounts of energy — even just getting through an ordinary day.
PDA pilots have a deep, nervous-system-level need for control and autonomy. Choices, collaboration, and flexibility aren't just preferences — they're what help your cockpit run safely. This is a strength, not a problem.
There is nothing wrong with your cockpit. It just needs the right conditions to fly. ✈️
Your Cockpit
This gauge shows how much brain-fuel you have. Energy isn't just about being tired — it's about how much you have left for talking, thinking, feeling, being around people, and handling surprises. PDA pilots often start lower and use fuel faster.
✅ Tick the things that refuel YOUR energy:
My demand gauge measures how many things are being asked of me — including invisible demands nobody says out loud. PDA pilots have nervous systems that detect demands constantly, even ones that seem small or positive.
⚡ Invisible demands include:
💚 Things that reduce my demands:
PDA pilots often have sensory systems that are tuned very high. This means more input reaches your brain — and it can fill up fast. Knowing YOUR sensory profile helps you and others support your cockpit.
PDA pilots often feel emotions intensely and deeply. Feelings can move fast and feel very big — especially when energy is low or demands are high. There is nothing wrong with your emotions. They are important information from your cockpit.
💛 When feelings get big, I need:
🌋 Signs my emotion gauge is getting full:
Masking is when you hide or suppress your natural responses to fit in or meet expectations. PDA pilots can be skilled at masking — but it uses enormous amounts of fuel, and often causes a big crash later on.
Unmasking is safe. Unmasking is brave. Unmasking is how you refuel. 💛
Great pilots use tools. Tick the ones that work for YOUR cockpit:
These are things you can say, write, or point to when your gauges are running high. ⭐ Star your favourites:
✏️ My own phrase:
Use this each morning to check in with your cockpit.
Today's sky:
Here's everything you've told us about your cockpit, Pilot.
PDA Pilot ✈️
Your cockpit is uniquely, wonderfully yours. Keep flying. ✈️💛