The AQ-10

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.

Take the test here:

This test is free, anonymous, and requires
no email sign-up for the results

Who the test is designed for

• Adults (age 16+) with suspected autism who do not have a learning disability.^[1]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)

Versions & translations

The AQ-10 is available in the following languages:

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?

• The AQ-10 retains the predictive validity of the full 50-item inventory.^[5]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)
• The AQ-10 is thus a valuable instrument for rapidly quantifying where any given individual is situated on the continuum from autism to normality.

Discussion

Ember:

• Like many other autistics, I find it frustrating that 4 choices are offered while it’s scored in a binary way, 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 Eva went through the test with me and pointed out things that were obvious to her, that I realized that I indeed scored higher.
• If you have trouble answering because you are unable to identify or describe your emotions, it could make sense to take one of the alexithymia tests.
• The CAT-Q may be a good next test to take if you do not score above the threshold, as your propensity to mask/camouflage can result in lower scores. You should also answer the test based on how you truly feel and think, rather than based on how you present with significant camouflaging.

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

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. It makes sense to either take the extended AQ, or some of the other autism tests to corroborate your results.
• If you’re trying to understand what your score means in the context of your life, you’re not alone—many people find that their results raise more questions than answers.
  • The AQ can indicate the presence of autistic traits, but it doesn’t show how those traits appear in your day-to-day life or how they fit together as a whole.
  • Because of this, many people choose to continue with a structured autism screening, where results like this are reviewed in context and interpreted as part of a broader profile.
  • You can start a screening here → Autism screening

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