​​Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire for Adults (EDA-QA)

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Click HERE to take test

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The EDA‑QA is a self-assessment designed to explore traits associated with extreme demand avoidance, a profile often observed in some autistic and neurodivergent individuals. These traits include strong resistance to everyday demands, a need for autonomy, and emotional responses linked to perceived loss of control.

This questionnaire can be especially helpful for individuals who feel misunderstood or overwhelmed in structured environments or relationships where expectations are frequent and rigid.
 

26 Questions
 

Who It’s For:

Adults (18+) who suspect they may experience persistent resistance to demands or expectations, and who want to better understand their reactions to pressure, control, and external authority.
 

Duration:

Approximately 5–7 minutes

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What It Measures:

The EDA‑QA identifies patterns of demand avoidance that may show up as:

• Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or angry when faced with demands

• Avoiding tasks—even desired ones—when they feel externally imposed

• Needing high levels of autonomy and control over choices

• Using distraction, procrastination, or refusal to maintain a sense of safety or independence
   

These behaviors are not signs of defiance or laziness—they often reflect deeply rooted stress responses and coping strategies.
 

Score Interpretation

The total possible score is 78 (26 items scored from 0 to 3).
 

• 0–45: Low Prevalence of Demand Avoidance Traits
  You likely respond to most expectations with flexibility and can manage external demands without significant distress.

• 46 and Above: High Prevalence of Demand Avoidance Traits
  Your responses suggest persistent challenges with demands, indicating that expectations—especially those you don’t initiate—can cause emotional distress, overwhelm, or resistance.
   

Support for Navigating Demand Sensitivity

If you scored high, you may often feel frustrated or anxious when facing tasks that others expect of you—even if those demands seem reasonable or routine. These responses are real and valid, and they often reflect a deeper need for autonomy, predictability, and emotional safety.
 

A neurodiversity-affirming therapist can help you explore these patterns without judgment and develop strategies that support your needs while honoring your nervous system and limits.
 

👉 Ready to take the next step? [Reach out through our contact form]—we’re here to help.

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