Theses test are not, on their own, designed to be a diagnostic tool. However, they will provide an indication of whether you are more or less likely to have autism. They have been developed by expert researchers and clinicians and are designed for adults who are of average, or above average, intelligence. Each test highlights a slightly different aspect of autism and it is worthwhile taking all three tests. If you receive an indication that you may have autism after completing the tests, it may be worthwhile pursuing a diagnosis.
*Please note, you will be asked to provide your email address at the end of the tests. You may receive updates from AAO. No data is ever passed onto any third parties. If you proceed with an assessment, your test results will be consulted as part of the screening process*
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References & Information
AQ-50
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50) is one of the most widely used screening tools and was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues. Some of the items (such as Q29 where an alternative is suggested) are outdated, as are some of the questions relating to our current understanding of autism. For example Q8, “When I’m reading a story I can easily imagine what the characters look like” refers more to affective alexithmyia as we now know that autistic people can have good visual imaginations. However, the AQ-50 does continue to provide reliable information and a score of 32 and above is strongly indicative of autism.
Baron-Cohen S, Wheelwright S, Skinner R, Martin J, Clubley E. The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ): evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians. J Autism Dev Disord. 2001 Feb;31(1):5-17. doi: 10.1023/a:1005653411471. Erratum in: J Autism Dev Disord 2001 Dec;31(6):603. PMID: 11439754.
RAADS-R
The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) plays a useful role in identifying autistic people who might otherwise escape clinical diagnosis. RAADS-R detects what are called “sub-clinical” traits, which are often milder or would not fall under the stricter criteria for autism diagnosis.
Ritvo RA, Ritvo ER, Guthrie D, et. al. (2011) Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R): a scale to assist the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in adults: an international validation study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2011, 41(8)
CAT-Q
The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire is designed to identify the extent to which people mask their autism. They may camouflage in order to pass as more “normal”, to avoid drawing attention to themselves or to manage social situations and the CAT-Q can be broken down into different social behaviours including assimilation, masking and compensation.
Hull, L, Mandy, W, Lai, MC. et al. Development and Validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). J Autism Dev Disord 49, 819–833 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3792-6