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 an extreme need to avoid everyday demands and expectations, driven by high levels of anxiety and an underlying need to preserve autonomy and emotional regulation.
Through Olive’s lens, readers are introduced to the lived experience of PDA in a child-friendly and emotionally resonant way. What may be misinterpreted 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 activate a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response in children with PDA. It also offers emotionally co-regulating strategies grounded in psychological principles of autonomy-supportive teaching, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed practice.
Accompanied by inclusive illustrations and, dyslexia-friendly font, Olive’s Day models practical supports. This book is suitable for children aged 4–10 and serves as both a therapeutic story for children with PDA and a professional resource for parents, teachers, therapists, and support staff. It promotes empathy, inclusion, and a deeper understanding of neurodivergent learners.
“Through Olive’s journey, we hope to shift the lens from behaviour management to connection and curiosity,” say Price and Benger. “Our aim is to help adults better attune to 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.”
Availability:
The book is available on Amazon for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1967963738.
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 absolutely love what they do—working alongside children, families, and colleagues—and bring a deep sense of care and commitment to every project. Unapologetically geeky, they delight in reading research, exploring new ideas, and developing creative, evidence-based approaches to support learning and wellbeing. Firm believers in the power of play, fun, and curiosity, they combine lived experience with academic expertise to promote more inclusive, emotionally literate, and compassionate approaches to holistic education.
