This paper examines the validity of the Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire for Adults (EDA-QA) as a screening tool for identifying Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) traits in adults. Two studies were conducted using participants recruited from online forums focused on autism-related topics.
Participants completed either the full or short form of the Autism Screening Questionnaire (ASQ), alongside other recognised measures of behavioural and personality traits linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study analysed the overlap between these scores and EDA-QA results, concluding that the EDA-QA can effectively screen for PDA traits in adults.
This research is valuable for professionals working in adult autism assessments and individuals seeking diagnostic pathways for PDA. It highlights the need for further investigation into PDA in adulthood and the development of clinical tools to support accurate identification and intervention.