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:

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

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

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.

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

Autism assessments