Originally Published: March 7th, 2025

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2026

During a recent Recovery Dharma meeting for my alcoholism, an autistic member spoke about his struggles with PDA.

I googled this and discovered PDA is Pathological Demand Avoidance, commonly associated with those living with autism.

From PDA Society:

What is PDA?

The term PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance. This is widely understood to be a profile found within some autistic people. The most obvious characteristic of PDA is a determined avoidance of so-called ‘common’ demands of life, including expectations and things the person enjoys doing. It is important to be aware that PDA is not just about demand avoidance.

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As support staff for neurodivergent students in a high school, this new lens of awareness about a set of behaviours that can be included in the description of autism – is so helpful.

Something to think about, learn about.

S, 🌻

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2025

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The Last Thing I Learned Allowed A Dream Come True!

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Funny you should ask, as yesterday a dream came true for me as a result of the last thing I learned.

What was the last thing I learned?

The lyrics to Miley Cyrus’ Flowers.

The dream come true?

I sang/performed in front of a crowd.

I practiced and practiced and practiced singing that song.

Therefore, when a group of us faculty and staff decided to join in on the school’s annual Pre-March Break student talent show called Show Case, as the opening act we kicked off the event in style!

Using boomwhackers and bucket drums, we entertained the kids as they joined us in a pop song they know and love. Plus, Flowers by Miley Cyrus gives a good message to girls – you can love and accept yourself and be happy – you don’t need his love to do that!

Because of student media release permissions, I cannot show the entire song because I walked into the sea of kids while singing.

There is a clip of the beginning, though. The video is below.

You can hear the kids start to sing along!

S, 🌻🎤🎵🌻

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