Autism Self-Screening Tools
Evidence-based questionnaires to help you explore whether autism might be part of your story. These tools are a starting point—not a diagnosis.
Choose a Screening Tool
Each questionnaire measures different aspects of autism-related traits. You may choose to complete one or several to gain a fuller picture. All tools below are clinically validated and widely used in research.
AQ-10
A brief screening tool derived from the full AQ-50. Ideal if you’re short on time and want a quick initial indication of autistic traits.
Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50)
The original and most widely used autism screening questionnaire. Measures traits across social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination.
RAADS-R
Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised. Designed to identify adults who may have been missed or misdiagnosed. Examines lifelong patterns of behavior.
CAT-Q
Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire. Measures how much you mask or hide autistic traits in social situations—important for those who may “pass” as neurotypical.
🧠 Why Multiple Screeners?
Different tools capture different aspects of autism. The AQ and RAADS-R measure core autistic traits, while the CAT-Q reveals how much you might be masking those traits. Many autistic adults—especially women and those diagnosed later in life—score high on camouflaging, which can cause them to score lower on traditional autism tests. Taking multiple screeners gives a more complete picture.
Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10)
A 10-item short form of the AQ-50. For each statement, indicate how strongly you agree or disagree.
Your AQ-10 Results
Threshold: A score of 6 or higher suggests autism-related traits worth exploring further.
What does this mean?
The AQ-10 is a quick screening tool. A score of 6+ indicates traits associated with autism, but this is just a starting point. Consider taking the full AQ-50 or RAADS-R for a more comprehensive picture, and consult with a qualified professional for a proper assessment.
Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50)
The full 50-question version of the AQ. This comprehensive screening tool measures autistic traits across five domains.
About the AQ-50
The AQ-50 was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at Cambridge University. A score of 26 or higher suggests autistic traits worth exploring, and 79.3% of autistic individuals score 32 or higher. The test measures traits in: Social Skills, Attention Switching, Attention to Detail, Communication, and Imagination.
The full AQ-50 contains 50 questions and takes 10-15 minutes to complete. For the complete interactive version, please contact our office or visit during your consultation.
RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale–Revised)
An 80-question diagnostic tool designed specifically to identify autistic adults who may have been missed earlier in life.
About the RAADS-R
The RAADS-R has 97% sensitivity and 100% specificity—no neurotypical person has ever scored above the threshold of 65 in research studies. It examines four domains: Social Relatedness, Language, Sensory-Motor, and Circumscribed Interests. Unlike other tests, it asks about both current behavior AND behavior when you were younger than 16.
The RAADS-R contains 80 questions and takes 15-30 minutes. For the complete interactive version, please contact our office or visit during your consultation.
Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
Measures how much you mask or hide autistic traits in social situations.
About the CAT-Q
The CAT-Q measures three types of camouflaging: Compensation (strategies to compensate for social difficulties), Masking (hiding autistic characteristics), and Assimilation (trying to fit in). A total score of 100 or above indicates significant camouflaging. Autistic females average 124, while neurotypical females average 91.
The CAT-Q contains 25 questions and takes 5-10 minutes. For the complete interactive version, please contact our office or visit during your consultation.
Ready for a Professional Assessment?
These screening tools are a helpful first step, but only a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation can provide a formal diagnosis. As a Licensed Educational Psychologist with personal experience navigating the IEP process as a parent of neurodivergent children, I understand this journey from both sides of the table.
Schedule a Consultation