We have been using the Drop Pillow daily for a month and have noticed profound effects on our 9-year-old son, who is PDA autistic.
We have been using the Drop Pillow daily for a month and have noticed profound effects on our 9-year-old son, who is PDA autistic.
Pathological Demand Avoidance can be described as a nervous system disability; the sympathetic nervous system can be more easily triggered due to how the brain is wired, which means the person is more likely to experience the stress response a lot quicker and more often than those with differently wired brains. Typically, our son struggles with transitions, emotional regulation, eating, regular bowel movements and falling asleep. After introducing the Drop Pillow to our regular bedtime routine, we have noticed the following immediate changes; he switches into rest and digest (parasympathetic nervous system) much quicker and easier. We can see this through observing the body relaxing, yawning and hearing gut sounds. There is also a lot less jumping around than we have been used to at bedtime! He is able to fall asleep quicker and more calmly, with a feeling of felt safety in his body. We usually use a guided meditation or visualization through the built-in blue tooth speakers within the Drop Pillow, which he really enjoys. Not only is it giving him more autonomy over his own body and bodily cues, but it is really helping him to come down after the day and listen to what his body needs. Often PDAers really struggle with the transition from daytime to sleep, so adding this to our routine has really been a huge game changer for us. During the day, we have noticed fewer meltdowns, more successful emotional regulation, easier transitions between activities, improved appetite and more regular bowel movements. As a family we can wholeheartedly recommend the Drop Pillow as part of a therapeutic approach to help support a neurodivergent person.