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The AQ-10

Published: April 20, 2020
Last updated on August 14, 2023

The AQ-10 Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10) is a quick questionnaire that primary care practitioners can use to see if a person should be referred for an autism assessment.

Basic information
Statements: 10
Duration: 2–5 minutes
Type: brief screening tool
Authors: Carrie Allison, Bonnie Auyeung & Simon Baron-Cohen
Publishing year: 2012
Seminal Paper: Toward Brief “Red Flags” for Autism Screening: The Short Autism Spectrum Quotient and the Short Quantitative Checklist in 1,000 Cases and 3,000 Controls (Allison, Auyeng, & Baron-Cohen, 2012)

 

Take the test here:

Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht’s rating: 5 stars for appropriate and respectful wording, 5 stars for clarity & lack of ambiguity, and 5 stars for testing accuracy.Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht’s rating: 5 stars for appropriate and respectful wording, 5 stars for clarity & lack of ambiguity, and 5 stars for testing accuracy.

Who the test is designed for

Versions & translations

The AQ-10 is available in the following languages:

Adult[2]Autism Spectrum Quotient – 10 items (AQ-10) (Adult) | Autism Research CentreAdolescents[3]Autism Spectrum Quotient – 10 items (AQ-10) (Adolescent) | Autism Research CentreChildren[4]Autism Spectrum Quotient – 10 items (AQ-10) (Child) | Autism Research Centre
EnglishEnglishEnglish
ArabicArabicArabic
Chinese (Singapore)Chinese (Singapore)Chinese (Singapore)
—Chinese (Traditional)Chinese (Traditional)
French——
—Greek—
—PortuguesePortuguese
——Spanish
SwedishSwedishSwedish
——Welsh

Taking the test

The AQ-10 consists of 10 statements, giving you 4 choices for each statement:

  1. Definitely agree
  2. Slightly agree
  3. Slightly disagree
  4. Definitely disagree

Note: it makes no difference to your score whether you choose slightly or definitely, so just treat the statements as a binary choice of ‘agree’ and ‘disagree’.

Scoring

  • Scoring range: 0–10
  • Threshold score: 6↑
    • 6+ you might be autistic
    • <6 you may not be autistic
  • 80% of people designated Asperger’s syndrome score 6 or higher

The AQ-10 is only available as a self-scoring test.

Validity

How reliable, accurate, valid, and up to date is the test?

Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht pointing to the title ‘Discussion’.

Discussion

Natalie:
  • As a clinician, the AQ-10 allows me a quick two-minute screen to see if I should investigate further for autism spectrum condition. Like many other autistics, I find it frustrating that 4 choices are offered when there are only two as I feel that it wastes my time debating between slightly and definitely.
  • I think the test also requires a certain amount of insight into oneself that alexithymia may prevent. The first time I took this test I scored less than 6, and it was only when Martin went through the test with me and pointed out things that were obvious to him, that I realized that I indeed scored higher.
  • The CAT-Q may be a good next test to take if you do not score above the threshold.
Kendall:
  • If it makes no difference in the scoring, why create indecision with unnecessary choices? Omitting an undecided or don’t know option is a welcome design.
  • Statements such as, When I’m reading a story I find it difficult to work out the characters’ intentions, are next to impossible for me to answer. Whether difficult or easy, is something I have no way to compare or contrast.
  • That said, the questionnaire is quick to take, easily understood, and the scoring uncomplicated.

The AQ-10

1. I often notice small sounds when others do not.
2. When I’m reading a story, I find it difficult to work out the characters’ intentions.
3. I find it easy to "read between the lines" when someone is talking to me.
4. I usually concentrate more on the whole picture, rather than the small details.
5. I know how to tell if someone listening to me is getting bored.
6. I find it easy to do more than one thing at once.
7. I find it easy to work out what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face.
8. If there is an interruption, I can switch back to what I was doing very quickly.
9. I like to collect information about categories of things.
10. I find it difficult to work out people’s intentions.

What does my score mean?

The AQ-10 doesn’t offer a lot of insight, as it outputs just a single score. According to the test, scores of 6 or higher are indicative of autism or a significant number of autistic traits.

No single test is conclusive, and the AQ-10 is not at all comprehensive. But higher scores may warrant further investigation.

Recommended next steps

After the AQ-10, if you haven’t taken them already, the tests below are a good next step if you suspect you might be autistic. If you scored 6 or higher, you may want to start by doing the full AQ.

Autism Spectrum Quotient

A simple screening test that is used as a basis
for pursuing a formal autism evaluation

CAT-Q

If you scored lower than 6 on the AQ-10,
I suggest taking the CAT-Q, as it identifies
autistics that may be overlooked on other tests

RAADS–R

Identifies adults who often “escape diagnosis”
due to a subclinical level presentation

Online autism tests can play an essential role in the process of self-discovery, and may inform your decision to pursue a formal diagnosis. For a formal assessment, please see a knowledgeable medical professional trained in assessing autism.

An illustration of a clipboard with a checklist or assessment.

If you are looking for an autism assessment,
Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht can offer help!
You can find more information here:

Online autism assessments

References

 

This article
was written by:
dr-natalie-engelbrecht
Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht ND RP

Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht ND RP is a dually licensed naturopathic doctor and registered psychotherapist, and a Canadian leader in trauma, PTSD, and integrative medicine strictly informed by scientific research.

She was diagnosed at 46, and her autism plays a significant role in who she is as a doctor, and how she interacts with and cares for her patients and clients.

Want to know more about her? Read her About me page.

Disclaimer

Although our content is generally well-researched
and substantiated, or based on personal experience,
note that it does not constitute medical advice.

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