Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire

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Name of Form
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INSTRUCTIONS

Approximate time: 10-12 minutes to respond to 26 questions.

Please answer the questions thinking about your behaviour during the last six months. Please read each item carefully and fill in the answer that best applies.

All responses are confidential.
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BACKGROUND

This screening tests for Pathological (or "Extreme") Demand Avoidance (PDA).

PDA is characterized by an individual's extreme avoidance of everyday demands and requests due to an anxiety-driven need for control.

PDA is also referred to as Persistent Demand for Autonomy, highlighting the constant striving for self-governance and resistance to external pressures.
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1. I obsessively resist and avoid ordinary demands and requests* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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2. I complain about illness or physical incapacity to avoid a request or demand* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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3. I am driven by the need to be in charge* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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4. I find everyday pressures (e.g. having to go on a routine trip/visit dentist) intolerably stressful* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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5. I tell other people how they should behave, but do not feel these rules apply to me* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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6. I mimic other people’s mannerisms and styles (e.g., use phrases adopted from other people to express myself to others)* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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7. I have difficulty complying with demands and requests from others unless they are carefully presented* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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8. I take on roles or characters (from TV/real life) and ‘act them out’* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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9. I show little shame or embarrassment (e.g., I might throw a tantrum in public and not be embarrassed)* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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10. I invent fantasy worlds or games and act them out* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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11. I am good at getting around others and making them do as I want* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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12. I am unaware or indifferent to the differences between myself and figures of authority (e.g. parents, teachers, and police)* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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13. I will still sometimes have a ‘meltdown’ (e.g., scream, tantrum, hit, or kick) if I feel pressurized to do something* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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14. I like to be told I have done a good job* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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15. I have a very rapidly changing mood (e.g., I can switch from affectionate to angry in an instant)* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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16. I know what to do or say to upset particular people* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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17. I blame or target a particular person/persons* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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18. I deny things I have done, even if I am caught “red-handed”* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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19. I can be distracted (preoccupied) ‘from within’ (i.e., absorbed in my own world)* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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20. I make an effort to maintain my reputation with other people* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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21. I sometimes use outrageous or shocking behaviour to get out of doing something* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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22. I have periods when I have extremely emotional responses (e.g., crying/giggling, becoming furious) to what others would think small events* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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23. I ensure any social interaction is on my own terms* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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24. I prefer to interact with others in an adopted role or communicate through props or objects* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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25. I seek to quibble and change rules set by others* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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26. I can be passive and difficult to engage* This field is required.
Not True
Somewhat True
Mostly True
Very True
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Your Score is: {totalScore143}

Scoring range: 0–78

0-45: Low risk of pathological demand avoidance

Higher than 45: High risk of pathological demand avoidance

Click "next" for an interpretation of your score.
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Your Score Is:Scoring range: 0–78 0-45 - low risk of pathological demand avoidance 45+ - a high risk of pathological demand avoidance Click Next to see detail interpretation of your score.
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Understanding Low Scores (0-45)

Your score is {totalScore143}, which falls into the low score range (0-45).

Score Breakdown

0-45: Low prevalence of extreme demand avoidance traits, suggesting a higher tolerance for everyday demands and expectations.

46 and Above: High prevalence of extreme demand avoidance traits, indicating significant challenges with responding to demands or expectations from others.

Your Score Suggests:

A low to no prevalence of extreme demand avoidance traits, meaning you likely manage and respond to daily demands without significant resistance or distress.

A greater ease in responding to expectations from others (such as work, school, or social obligations) without experiencing overwhelming anxiety or frustration.

Less of a tendency to avoid tasks, requests, or demands, and more flexibility in engaging with various expectations.

When Low Extreme Demand Avoidance Traits Are a Strength

Low scores on the extreme demand avoidance spectrum often highlight strengths that support adaptability, cooperation, and functioning in day-to-day life.

These strengths include:

The ability to navigate various demands, whether they come from external sources (e.g., family, work, social settings) or internal goals, without feeling the need to resist or avoid them.

Flexibility in adjusting to changes in routine or unexpected requirements without experiencing extreme distress or anxiety.

A general willingness to engage with tasks or requests, even if they aren’t personally interesting, making it easier to meet responsibilities and deadlines.

Next Steps

If you occasionally experience difficulty managing external demands or feel a mild resistance to certain expectations, strategies can help you handle them with greater ease.

Our team of specialists can help you identify strategies to improve resilience against overwhelming demands and offer tools to better manage day-to-day pressures.
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Understanding High Scores (46 and Above)

Your score is {totalScore143}, which falls into the high score range (46 and above).

Score Breakdown

0-45: Low prevalence of extreme demand avoidance traits, indicating a more flexible approach to meeting external expectations.

46 and above: High prevalence of extreme demand avoidance traits, suggesting significant challenges with responding to demands or expectations from others.

Your Score Suggests:

A high prevalence of extreme demand avoidance traits, which means you may experience significant distress or resistance when faced with demands or expectations, particularly from external sources.

Difficulty in responding to requests or obligations, which could lead to avoiding tasks, experiences, or people who present demands you find overwhelming or distressing.

A tendency to engage in behaviors that minimize or reject demands, even if they are essential or beneficial, in order to preserve personal autonomy or avoid perceived control.

When High Extreme Demand Avoidance Traits Are a Challenge

High scores on the extreme demand avoidance spectrum often indicate the need for greater support and understanding in navigating day-to-day demands.

These challenges include:

Difficulty accepting or engaging with tasks or requests that feel like impositions, leading to stress, frustration, or anxiety.

A need for more structured and predictable routines or environments to reduce anxiety around unexpected or conflicting demands.

The tendency to resist demands, which can impact personal, social, or professional functioning if the need for compliance is high or unavoidable.

Next Steps

If you find that avoiding or resisting demands is interfering with your daily life or causing significant distress, there are strategies that can help you manage these challenges in a healthier way.

Our team of specialists can work with you to identify coping mechanisms, develop strategies for managing demands more effectively, and find ways to build a routine that supports your well-being. Taking steps to understand your needs can help you feel more empowered and capable of navigating daily expectations.
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What are you interested in?* This field is required.
Neurodiverse Couples Counseling
Neuro-informed Individual Counseling
An Assessment and Diagnosis (only available for residents of California)
I'm not sure. I'd like to talk to a care coordinator.
Nothing, just send my scores please
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The type of assessment that I am interested in (note only available in California):* This field is required.
Autism Assessment - $1,500
ADHD Assessment - $900
Dual Assessment (ASD and ADHD) - $1, 800
Sensory Assessment - $300 (as an add on to Autism or ADHD assessment)
Alexithymia Assessment - $300 (as an add on to Autism or ADHD assessment)
PDA Assessment (Pathological Demand Avoidance) - $300 (as an add on to the Autism or ADHD assessment)
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Where do you live? (This helps match you with a therapist or coach).* This field is required.
California
Not in California
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Session fees vary by experience and qualifications. Share what you can pay, and we’ll match you with the right professional.* This field is required.
$300 and up
$250 to $300
$200 to $250
$150 to $200
$100 to $150
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My name is:* This field is required.
First Name
Last Name
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Email* This field is required.
example@example.com
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Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
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Please share any additional background
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Ok
Ok
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What's Next?

You will be sent a copy of your scores if you've provided your email address.

If you marked that you are interested in counseling services, our Client Care Coordinator will be in touch within 24 hours to connect you with one of our experts.

Please feel free to reach out to our Client Care Coordinator, Cassie Clayton, if you have any questions in the meantime!

Email : clientcare@newpathfamily.com

Text or Call: (408) 475-2746
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