April 20, 2020
Category: 

The AQ-10

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 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.

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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Land acknowledgement

Embrace Autism recognizes and acknowledges the traditional lands of the Indigenous peoples across Ontario. From the lands of the Anishinaabe to the Attawandaron and Haudenosaunee, these lands surrounding the Great Lakes are steeped in First Nations history. We are in solidarity with Indigenous brothers and sisters to honour and respect Mother Earth. We acknowledge and give gratitude for the wisdom of the Grandfathers and the four winds that carry the spirits of our ancestors that walked this land before us. Embrace Autism is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We acknowledge and thank the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation—the Treaty holders—for being stewards of this traditional territory.

A First Nations symbol, consisting of a Sun surrounded by four Eagle feathers.

Land acknowledgement

Embrace Autism recognizes and acknowledges the traditional lands of the Indigenous peoples across Ontario. From the lands of the Anishinaabe to the Attawandaron and Haudenosaunee, these lands surrounding the Great Lakes are steeped in First Nations history. We are in solidarity with Indigenous brothers and sisters to honour and respect Mother Earth. We acknowledge and give gratitude for the wisdom of the Grandfathers and the four winds that carry the spirits of our ancestors that walked this land before us. Embrace Autism is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We acknowledge and thank the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation—the Treaty holders—for being stewards of this traditional territory.

A First Nations symbol, consisting of a Sun surrounded by four Eagle feathers.
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