medtests.de · Autism

Autism Test (AQ-10)

This self-test uses the AQ-10, the ten-question short form of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient developed at the Cambridge Autism Research Centre. It's the same screener many clinicians use before referring adults for a full autism assessment.

Autism Spectrum Quotient (Short Version)

Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements.

10 questions~2 minanonymous, scored in your browsernot a diagnosis

What does the AQ-10 measure?

The AQ-10 condenses the 50-question Autism-Spectrum Quotient down to the ten items that best separated autistic from non-autistic adults in validation studies. The questions cover noticing small sounds, reading between the lines, picking up on intentions and feelings, switching between activities, and social small talk. Each question scores one point when answered in the autism-typical direction, no matter how strongly you agree. Six or more points is the established referral cutoff.

What does the result mean?

A score of 6 or higher means your answer pattern looks like that of autistic adults, and a full diagnostic assessment would be reasonable if these traits affect your life. It's not a diagnosis: the AQ-10 is deliberately coarse, and high scores also show up with social anxiety or ADHD. A low score doesn't rule autism out either, especially for adults who have learned to mask. If you want a more detailed picture first, the AQ-50 and RAADS-R on this site go deeper, and the CAT-Q looks specifically at masking.

Source

Allison C, Auyeung B, Baron-Cohen S. Toward Brief "Red Flags" for Autism Screening: The Short Autism Spectrum Quotient. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2012.

Frequently asked questions

At what score is the autism test considered elevated?

Six or more points out of ten is the established threshold for a referral. The AQ-10 is deliberately short and coarse; it does not replace a diagnostic assessment.

Can I be autistic even with a low score?

Yes. The AQ-10 in particular misses adults who have learned to mask. If many traits resonate, the AQ-50, RAADS-R, or the masking test (CAT-Q) can give a clearer picture.

Is a high score proof of autism?

No. A high score can also come from social anxiety or ADHD. It is a reason to consider a professional assessment, not a diagnosis.

Scoring: what your points mean

Score	Level	What it means
0-3	below the cutoff	below the screening cutoff (6). Does not rule out autism.
4-5	near the cutoff	near the screening cutoff.
6-10	at or above the cutoff	at or above the cutoff (6). Not proof, further evaluation may help.

The screening cutoff comes from the questionnaire; the finer gradation is editorial orientation. Not a diagnosis.