The Unlocking

<p><strong><em>The Unlocking</em></strong> unfolds in pandemic-stricken Melbourne charting one family's desperate battle against the escalating behaviour of their autistic toddler. Amid the lack of in-person services Harry exhibits severely restricted eating obsessive-compulsive tendencies crippling separation anxiety and a demand avoidance that impedes every function in his young life. Harry meets the description of Pathological Demand Avoidance a sub-type of autism that is not yet recognised in Australia where an individual exhibits an anxiety-based need for control by avoiding the ordinary demands of living.</p><p>During a break between lockdowns and with much trepidation the family embark upon a journey with applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is an intensive therapy considered the gold standard in early intervention for autism but with a controversial past. The outcome is life-changing. Beneath the veil of dysfunction and anxiety they discover an outrageously creative highly intelligent and hilarious little boy.</p><p><strong><em>The Unlocking</em> is an atypical memoir spanning five epic years-agonising and wretched hilarious and triumphant offering solace and hope to others while shining a spotlight on a little-known profile of autism. It is an ableist's humbling lesson on disability.</strong></p><p><br></p>