EDA-QA

Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire — Adult

AutismSelf-reportAges 18+26 statements~5 min

Validated by Egan, Linenberg & O'Nions (2019) · View paper

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Jaye Turrietta, PsyD, BCBA-D, AEP

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.

26 statements · ~5 min · Auto-saved

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.

EDA-QA FAQs

The most common questions about the EDA-QA (Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire — Adult).

What is the EDA-QA?

The EDA-QA (Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire — Adult) is a 26-item statement self-report screener for extreme demand avoidance (PDA) profile in adults. A 26-item measure of demand avoidance features (PDA profile) in adults. It was developed by Egan, Linenberg & O'Nions (2019).

Who can take the EDA-QA?

The EDA-QA is designed for adults age 18 and up to complete themselves.

How long does the EDA-QA take?

Most people complete the EDA-QA in about 5 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the EDA-QA diagnostic?

No. The EDA-QA is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It is a validated screener that can suggest whether further evaluation is warranted, but only a licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can make a formal diagnosis. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations via telehealth — a doctoral-level psychologist conducts a comprehensive evaluation, with reports typically delivered within days.

Is the EDA-QA free to take here?

Yes. The EDA-QA is free to take on this page. We don't require a sign-up, and we don't collect or share your responses — your answers are saved locally in your browser. You can also export your results as a PDF for your own records or to share with a clinician.

What does my EDA-QA score mean?

After you complete the EDA-QA, you'll see your total score broken into the validated severity / likelihood bands published for this instrument, along with a plain-language interpretation. Specific cutoffs vary by tool — for the EDA-QA, the scoring ranges and band descriptions are shown directly on the results page.

What if my EDA-QA score is elevated?

An elevated score on the EDA-QA is one signal — not a diagnosis. The recommended next step is a comprehensive clinical evaluation. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations starting at $950 flat fee with no waitlist; reports are typically delivered within days and include the diagnostic documentation needed for IEPs, ABA prior authorization, and other downstream services.

If your EDA-QA score suggests further evaluation may be warranted, book a comprehensive evaluation with one of our PSYPACT-licensed clinical psychologists. Reports typically delivered within one week.

How the EDA-QA compares to related screeners

Most autism screeners measure similar constructs but vary in length, target audience, and emphasis. Here's how the EDA-QA relates to the most commonly-paired alternatives.

EDA-QA vs CAT-Q

The EDA-QA and the CAT-Q both measure extreme demand avoidance (PDA) profile in adults at a similar length (26 vs 25 statements). They originated from different research groups (2019 and 2019 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the CAT-Q →

EDA-QA vs RBQ-2A

The EDA-QA and the RBQ-2A both measure extreme demand avoidance (PDA) profile in adults at a similar length (26 vs 20 statements). They originated from different research groups (2019 and 2015 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the RBQ-2A →

EDA-QA vs TEQ

The EDA-QA and the TEQ both measure extreme demand avoidance (PDA) profile in adults at a similar length (26 vs 16 statements). They originated from different research groups (2019 and 2009 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the TEQ →

Add this free screener to your site

Educators, clinicians, and organizations are welcome to embed the EDA-QA for free. Copy the snippet below. It keeps a small link back to NeuroClarity.