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The Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A) is a self-administered questionnaire that measures restricted and repetitive behaviours in adults.
Basic information |
|
|---|---|
| Statements: | 20 |
| Duration: | 5–10 minutes |
| Type: | Screening tool |
| Authors: | Sarah Barrett et al. |
| Publishing year: | 2015 |
| Seminal paper: | Assessing subtypes of restricted and repetitive behaviour using the Adult Repetitive Behaviour Questionnaire-2 in autistic adults (Barrett et al., 2015) |
Take the RBQ-2A
Please read each statement and choose the answer that best fits your typical experience.
Your RBQ-2A result
Your repetitive behaviour profile
Unlock your complete RBQ-2A profile
Your three profile scores
See your scores for Repetitive Motor Behaviours (RMB), Insistence on Sameness (IS), and Repetitive Sensory and Motor Behaviours (RSMB), with research comparisons and an explanation of what each area means.
Personalized interpretation of your pattern
Your report explains which areas are less prominent, present, or particularly prominent in your own responses—without treating those descriptions as diagnostic severity levels.
Research comparison
Compare your overall and profile mean scores with the autistic and non-autistic group averages reported in the RBQ-2A research.
Your complete personalized PDF
Your PDF includes your total score and interpretation, RMB, IS, and RSMB profile, personalized pattern summary, research comparisons, and all 20 questions with the exact answers you selected.
Your profile scores
Getting your score is free and anonymous
If you have purchased an Embrace Autism full assessment, please contact us before completing this test.
Who the test is designed for
- Adults (age 18+) of average or higher intelligence.[1]The Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A): A self-report measure of restricted and repetitive behaviours. Journal of autism and developmental disorders (Barrett et al., 2015)
Sue Leekam, one of the authors of the paper and director of the Wales Autism Research Centre at Cardiff University, says:
Many measures used for research and diagnoses of autism rely on parents, teachers or caregivers to report the behaviors of individuals with the condition. What our research has done is develop a test where individuals can report on their own behaviors.
What it tests
The RBQ-2A tests one of the core diagnostic criteria for autism, restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs),[2]Diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder | CDC which is further divided into:[3]The Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A): A self-report measure of restricted and repetitive behaviours. Journal of autism and developmental disorders (Barrett et al., 2015)
- Insistence on sameness (IS) — Finding comfort in routines and consistency, and circumscribed interests
- Repetitive motor behaviours (RMB) — Repetitive movements such as rocking and hand-flapping, ritualistic behavior, and sensory sensitivities
Versions & translations
- The RBQ-2A is available in English only.[4]The Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A): A self-report measure of restricted and repetitive behaviours. Journal of autism and developmental disorders (Barrett et al., 2015)
Taking the test
The RBQ-2A consists of 20 questions, giving you 3 or 4 choices for each question:
- Never or rarely
- One or more times daily (mild or occasional)
- 15 or more times daily (marked or notable)
- 30 or more times daily (serious or severe)
Questions 6–12 and 20 give 3 possible answers, while the other questions give you a fourth option. However, answers #3 and #4 are both scored as 3, so don’t worry about which is a better fit for you with respect to the questions on the test; you can simply ignore the 4th choice if you like. I don’t know why test developers do this…
Scoring
- Scoring range: 20–60
- Threshold score: 26↑
- 36 average autistic score
- 25 non-autistic score
Mean & median scores
Autistic and non-autistic people scored as follows on the RBQ-2A:[5]The Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A): A self-report measure of restricted and repetitive behaviours. Journal of autism and developmental disorders (Barrett et al., 2015)
RBQ-2A mean & median scores
| Autistic mean | Neurotypical mean | Autistic median | Neurotypical median | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total RBQ-2A score | 1.84 | 1.25 | 1.90 | 1.20 |
| RMB score | 1.59 | 1.26 | 1.50 | 1.17 |
| IS score | 2.04 | 1.29 | 2.00 | 1.25 |
| RSMB score | 1.64 | 1.20 | 1.60 | 1.10 |
Validity
- The RBQ-2A is one of the first effective self-assessments for autism in adults.[6]The Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A): A self-report measure of restricted and repetitive behaviours. Journal of autism and developmental disorders (Barrett et al., 2015)
- The RBQ-2A properly differentiates autism and neurotypical individuals; those with an autism diagnosis scored significantly higher on the test.
- However, the test alone cannot diagnose autism. The RBQ-2A tests a core symptom of autism, but repetitive behaviours may also be associated with conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and Tourette syndrome.
Discussion
Ember:
The RBQ-2A is my favourite test for autism. The main reason being is that it is respectful towards autistics. It is one of the first times I can walk away from a test and not be infuriated at the lack of knowledge and the disrespect to people on the spectrum. The statements are easily understood, familiar, and relevant to me—unlike many I encountered in other tests.
Kendall:
At first, I was annoyed in Section 1 by the choices One or more times daily and 15 or more times daily. The activities listed aren’t something I typically notice, let alone count.
Sections 2, 3, and 4 choices made my answer clear and quick.
The test is quick, concise, and focused. (Kendall)
Next steps
After the RBQ-2A, consider taking one of the tests below.
Autism Spectrum Quotient
A simple screening test that is used as a basis
for pursuing a formal autism evaluation
VIA Inventory of Strengths
Measures social camouflaging behaviours in adults
Empathy Quotient
Measures Theory of Mind
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.
If you are looking for an autism/AuDHD assessment,
our (autistic) assessment team can offer help!
You can find more information here:
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