EDA-QA
Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire — Adult
A 26-item self-report measure of demand avoidance features (PDA profile).
For each statement, select the response that best describes you. PDA is considered a profile within the autism spectrum.
About the EDA-QA
The Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire — Adult is an adaptation of the child EDA-Q (O’Nions et al., 2014), developed by Egan, Linenberg, and O’Nions in 2018 for adults. It measures traits and behaviours associated with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile within the autism spectrum characterised by an anxiety-driven need to resist and avoid everyday demands and expectations.
26 items. Designed for adults (18+) with IQ ≥ 80. Takes about 10–15 minutes.
Scoring
Each item is rated 0–3 (Not True to Very True). Items 14 and 20 are reverse-scored. The total range is 0–78. A score above 45 indicates a high likelihood of PDA features.
Reliability
The EDA-QA demonstrates excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.97). The original child version showed good sensitivity and specificity for the PDA construct (α = 0.93).
Important: PDA is a contested and evolving concept within autism research. The EDA-QA is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Some item wording may feel pathology-based, as it was adapted from a children’s version. A qualified clinician can help contextualise your results.
Egan, V., Linenberg, O., & O’Nions, E. (2018). The Measurement of Adult Pathological Demand Avoidance Traits.