A reaction to "Young, Autistic, and Stagestruck"

[Katie]

I was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and then shortly afterwards, I watched a series called "Young, Autistic, and Stagestruck."

This series featured an 11-year-old girl called Mollie, who has a secondary diagnosis of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). I believe this to mean unusually determined/harmful resistance to expectations, or demands or instructions made by someone else. From what I've read, this avoidant behaviour can be best seen as a panic attack.

After watching the programme, I found myself feeling that it described me. I found out more information about this syndrome, including the diagnostic criteria, and for a couple of days I was convinced that I had it. PDA is related to autistic spectrum disorders, but is different in several ways including superficial social skills, and imagination. Social skills includes good eye contact when not avoidant, which I could say I have, and I'd like to think I have good imagination.

I am wondering whether anyone else with Aspergers feels that PDA decribes them? There is a diagnostic criteria on the PDA contact website, including comparisons with Autism/Aspergers. Also is there anyone else who has seen "Young, Autistic and Stagestruck"?

What are your thoughts?

EDIT: Sorry I changed the thread title but I thought that perhaps "Pathological Demand Avoidance" was too obscure. I also would like to know whether anyone would like me to post a more general review of "Young, Autistic, and Stagestruck."