Test on Autism Spectrum (AQ)
How this test works
Method notes for the instrument used on this page: source, scoring, how we run it online, and what the result cannot tell you.
- Instrument
- Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50)
- Source
- Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E. (2001). The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ): Evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(1), 5-17. doi:10.1023/A:1005653411471
- Items and scoring
- 50 statements rated on a 4-point agreement scale. Each item scores 0 or 1, for a total of 0-50; five 10-item subscales (social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, imagination).
- Score bands
- 0-25: typical range reported in the original sample
- 26-31: borderline
- 32+: significant autistic traits
- How we run it online
- 25 items are reverse-scored; each item contributes 0 or 1, and each subscale ranges from 0 to 10.
- The page reports the total and the five subscale scores with the bands above.
- Scoring runs in your browser during a single session; no account is required.
- Limitations
- The AQ measures autistic traits; a high score is not a diagnosis of autism.
- The bands come from research samples and are not population norms for a general online audience.
- Responses come from a self-selected online sample, so no population norms are claimed.
- How to cite
- Kuakua. (2026). Autism-Spectrum Quotient Test. https://kuakua.app/test/autism-spectrum-quotient — instrument: Baron-Cohen et al. (2001), doi:10.1023/A:1005653411471
Show Details
Introduction
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure the extent of autistic traits in adults, particularly those who may not have a formal diagnosis of autism. Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, the AQ was first introduced in 2001 as a tool for distinguishing between individuals with high-functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome and those without such traits.
The AQ consists of 50 questions which ask clients how much they agree with various statements describing either autism-related traits or neurotypical traits. Scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores suggesting more autism-related traits.
Limitations for the AQ include its inability to diagnose autism spectrum disorders, inaccessibility for people with severe cognitive impairments, lower sensitivity for women, and Western-centrism. Even with these limitations, the AQ may be helpful for screening clients for autism-related traits and identifying people who may benefit from referrals for a more extensive diagnostic assessment.
The Structure of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
The AQ consists of 50 questions that are divided into five domains:
- Social Skill: This domain assesses an individual's ability to engage in social interactions, including understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, and relating to others emotionally.
- Attention Switching: This section examines how easily an individual can switch their focus between different tasks or stimuli, which is often a challenge for individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Attention to Detail: Individuals with higher scores in this domain tend to focus intensely on details and may struggle with seeing the broader context or big picture.
- Communication: This domain measures an individual's ability to engage in verbal and non-verbal communication, including body language and understanding figurative speech (like metaphors).
- Imagination: This section looks at the ability to engage in imaginative or abstract thinking, such as understanding hypothetical situations or enjoying fantasy-based activities.
Each question is scored on a 4-point Likert scale: \"Definitely Agree,\" \"Slightly Agree,\" \"Slightly Disagree,\" and \"Definitely Disagree.\" Responses are tallied, and a total AQ score is calculated. Higher scores suggest a greater presence of traits commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Interpreting the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Score
The AQ was initially developed as a tool to help identify individuals who may have a higher likelihood of autism but without a formal diagnosis. The scoring is typically interpreted as follows:
- Scores between 0-25: These are considered within the typical range. Individuals with these scores typically do not exhibit significant autistic traits.
- Scores between 26-32: Scores in this range suggest mild autistic traits. These individuals may have some challenges related to social interaction, attention switching, or other traits typically associated with autism, but they function well in many contexts.
- Scores above 32: A score above 32 is often considered indicative of stronger autistic traits. These individuals may exhibit difficulties in various aspects of social functioning, communication, and cognitive flexibility.
It is important to note that while the AQ can provide useful information, it is not a diagnostic tool. A comprehensive evaluation by a trained clinician is necessary to make a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Autism Research
The AQ has been instrumental in research on autism, particularly in studying autism traits in the general population. By assessing the distribution of AQ scores across different groups, researchers have gained insights into the prevalence of autism-related traits and how these traits vary in the population.
For example, studies using the AQ have shown that individuals with autism tend to score significantly higher on the AQ than neurotypical individuals. The AQ has also been used to explore autism traits in individuals with other conditions, such as ADHD or schizophrenia, helping researchers differentiate between similar behaviors in these disorders.
Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Gender Differences
An interesting aspect of the AQ is its potential to highlight gender differences in the expression of autism traits. Research has suggested that females may exhibit autism-related traits differently than males, which could affect their AQ scores.
This phenomenon has sparked debates about the underdiagnosis of autism in females and has led to a call for more nuanced diagnostic criteria that take gender differences into account.
Applications of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
The AQ is used in a variety of contexts, including:
- Clinical Assessments: The AQ can help clinicians determine whether a more comprehensive assessment for autism is warranted.
- Autism Spectrum Research: The AQ is frequently used in research studies to assess autism-related traits in different populations.
- Self-Assessment: Individuals curious about their own autistic traits may take the AQ as a way of self-reflection.
- Autism Awareness: The AQ has been used in educational settings to increase awareness about autism.
Limitations of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
While the AQ is a widely used tool, it does have limitations. It is a self-report measure, which means that it is subject to the individual's own perceptions and biases. Additionally, because the AQ focuses primarily on behaviors and cognitive traits associated with autism, it may not capture the full complexity of autism.
Usage and Licensing of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
For noncommercial use by researchers and clinicians, there are no licensing requirements for the AQ. However, any use of the AQ should be accompanied by acknowledgment of the Autism Research Centre - Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge as the source of the measure.
References
- Simon Baron-Cohen, Sally Wheelwright, Richard Skinner, Joanne Martin, Emma Clubley (2001). “The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ): evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(1), 5-17.
- Dorothy V. M. Bishop, Murray Maybery, Alana Maley, Dana Wong, Wayne Hill, Joachim Hallmayer (2004). “Using self-report to identify the broad phenotype in parents of children with autistic spectrum disorders: a study using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient.” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45(8), 1431-1436.
- Marc R. Woodbury-Smith, Jo Robinson, Sally Wheelwright, Simon Baron-Cohen (2005). “Screening adults for Asperger Syndrome using the AQ: a preliminary study of its diagnostic validity in clinical practice.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35(3), 331-335.
- Baron-Cohen, S., Hoekstra, R. A., Knickmeyer, R., & Wheelwright, S. (2006). “The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ)—adolescent version.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(3), 343-350.
- Auyeung, B., Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., & Allison, C. (2008). “The Autism Spectrum Quotient: Children’s Version (AQ-Child).” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(7), 1230-1240.
References
- Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E. (2001). The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ): Evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(1), 5-17. 10.1023/A:1005653411471
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
What is the AQ test?
The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a 50-item self-report questionnaire developed at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge. It measures autistic traits in adults across five areas: social skill, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination.
What AQ score indicates autism?
In the original research, about 80% of adults with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism scored 32 or higher, while most non-clinical adults scored 15-25. Many people without autism score above the midpoint, so the AQ is a trait measure, not a diagnosis.
Is the AQ suitable for self-diagnosis?
No. The AQ was designed for research and as a screening aid used alongside clinical assessment. A high score reflects a higher level of autistic traits — only a qualified clinician can assess whether they constitute autism.
Can women take the AQ?
Yes, though the AQ was normed primarily on male samples, and research suggests autistic traits may present differently in women. Treat your score as one piece of information rather than a verdict.
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