Olive’s Day: Understanding and Navigating PDA is a developmentally sensitive and psychologically grounded children’s book by Caryn Price and Georgina Benger, two experienced educators and neurodiversity advocates.
The story follows Olive, a young girl with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile, a presentation often associated with autism. PDA is characterised by a significant need to avoid everyday demands and expectations, often driven by high levels of anxiety and a need to maintain emotional regulation and autonomy.
Through Olive’s perspective, readers are introduced to the lived experience of PDA in a child-friendly and emotionally resonant way. What may be misunderstood as oppositional or defiant behaviour is reframed with psychological accuracy as a protective response to nervous system overwhelm, perceived loss of control, or internal panic.
The book explores how routine demands—such as getting dressed, transitioning to school, or participating in group activities—can trigger a stress response in children with PDA. It also offers strategies grounded in psychological principles of autonomy-supportive teaching, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed practice, aimed at fostering emotional co-regulation.
Accompanied by inclusive illustrations and dyslexia-friendly fonts, Olive’s Day provides examples of potential supports. This book is suitable for children aged 4–10 and serves as both a therapeutic story for children with PDA and a resource for parents, teachers, therapists, and support staff. It encourages empathy, inclusion, and a deeper understanding of neurodivergent learners.
“Through Olive’s journey, we hope to shift the focus from behaviour management to connection and curiosity,” say Price and Benger. “Our aim is to help adults better understand the nervous system responses behind a child’s actions, and to provide children with the language, tools, and confidence to feel safe in their world.”
About the Authors
Caryn Price and Georgina Benger are mothers and passionate advocates for education, each bringing years of experience, specialist knowledge, and a range of qualifications to their work. Notably, Caryn holds two master’s degrees, specialising in psychology and responsible inclusion in education, while Georgina earned her Master of Education from Cambridge, focusing on restorative justice in childhood relationships.
They are deeply committed to their work with children, families, and colleagues, combining lived experience with academic expertise to promote more inclusive, emotionally literate, and compassionate approaches to holistic education. Unapologetically curious, they enjoy reading research, exploring new ideas, and developing creative, evidence-based approaches to support learning and wellbeing. They believe in the power of play, fun, and curiosity.
Availability
The book is available on Amazon for purchase: Click Here.
Author Name: Georgina Benger
ISBN Number: 978-1967963737
Paperback Version: Click Here
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. The perspectives and recommendations provided are not intended as professional advice. Always seek professional guidance from qualified practitioners for individual cases or concerns.
