This paper details the development of the Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire (EDA-Q), a tool designed to measure PDA traits based on parent-reported behaviours. Published in 2013, when awareness of PDA was growing among professionals, the study aimed to test the validity of this new questionnaire and its ability to quantify PDA-related behaviours.
The research concluded that the EDA-Q is a useful tool for identifying PDA traits in children, though it is not a formal diagnostic test. Instead, it provides a standardised way for researchers and clinicians to measure PDA tendencies for study purposes. While aimed at professionals, the paper may also interest parents who have encountered the EDA-Q and want to understand its background and reliability. The study contributed to the broader recognition of PDA and laid the groundwork for further research into assessment and support strategies.