Autism-Spectrum Quotient
The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a widely used 50-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure the degree of autistic traits in adults with…
- Questions
- 50
- Duration
- 10 min
- Original title
- Autism Spectrum Quotient - 50 items
- Adaptation
- Autism-Spectrum Quotient
- Authors
- Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E.
- Created
- 2001
The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a widely used 50-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure the degree of autistic traits in adults with average or above-average intellectual functioning. Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues, it systematically assesses behavioral and cognitive patterns associated with the autism spectrum, capturing nuances that might be missed in a standard clinical interview.
In clinical practice, the AQ provides a structured baseline to gauge traits across key functional domains, including social skills, communication, and cognitive flexibility. It is not a diagnostic tool in isolation, but it offers a reliable, repeatable metric to map a patient’s neurodivergent profile. By giving individuals a framework to articulate their internal experiences, clinicians can better guide differential conceptualization and determine when a comprehensive diagnostic assessment is indicated, much like how a Longitudinal Case Formulation (5 Ps) structures complex histories.
Example result
Fictitious result, computed from a sample set of answers.
Overall score
24/ 50
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a 50-item self-report questionnaire developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues. It aims to assess the presence and intensity of autistic traits in adults of average intelligence. It is not a diagnostic tool, but is widely used as a clinical screening and identification instrument to determine the need for a specialized diagnostic assessment. It explores 5 dimensions: social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination.
généralemixed · general population · Japan · n = 49 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
050
24
M = 14.51 ± 7.75
cliniquemixed · condition: autism spectrum disorder · Japan · n = 127 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
050
24
M = 33.8 ± 7
cliniquemixed · condition: social (pragmatic) communication disorder · Japan · n = 52 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
050
24
M = 27.65 ± 6.15
For information
Cut-off≥ 32Original threshold distinguishing Autistic and Non-Autistic individuals
Historical threshold suggested by the scale's creators to distinguish individuals with and without autism.
Baron-Cohen et al. (2001)
Cut-off≥ 26Alternative optimal cut-off score
Alternative threshold proposed to improve screening capacity in clinical practice compared to the original cut-off of 32.
Woodbury-Smith et al. (2005)
Cut-off≥ 29Clinically significant autism traits
Optimal cut-off reported more recently, balancing very low false positives (1%) with adequate sensitivity for DSM-5 criteria.
Broadbent et al. (2013)
Scoring
Total and subscale sum, total score ranging from 0 to 50, each item is scored on a 4-point scale (from 0 to 1).
Communication
5/ 10
Communication subscale
items 7, 17, 18, 26, 27, 31, 33, 35, 38, 39
généralemixed · general population · Japan · n = 49 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
5
M = 1.98 ± 2.19
cliniquemixed · condition: autism spectrum disorder · Japan · n = 127 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
5
M = 7.48 ± 2.13
cliniquemixed · condition: social (pragmatic) communication disorder · Japan · n = 52 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
5
M = 5.98 ± 2.37
Imagination
5/ 10
Imagination subscale
items 3, 8, 14, 20, 21, 24, 40, 41, 42, 50
généralemixed · general population · Japan · n = 49 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
5
M = 2.61 ± 1.86
cliniquemixed · condition: autism spectrum disorder · Japan · n = 127 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
5
M = 6.14 ± 2.12
cliniquemixed · condition: social (pragmatic) communication disorder · Japan · n = 52 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
5
M = 5 ± 2.03
Attention to detail
4/ 10
Attention to detail subscale
items 5, 6, 9, 12, 19, 23, 28, 29, 30, 49
généralemixed · general population · Japan · n = 49 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
4
M = 3.61 ± 2.3
cliniquemixed · condition: autism spectrum disorder · Japan · n = 127 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
4
M = 4.83 ± 2.16
cliniquemixed · condition: social (pragmatic) communication disorder · Japan · n = 52 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
4
M = 3.48 ± 1.73
Attention switching
4/ 10
Attention switching subscale
items 2, 4, 10, 16, 25, 32, 34, 37, 43, 46
généralemixed · general population · Japan · n = 49 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
4
M = 3.59 ± 2.15
cliniquemixed · condition: autism spectrum disorder · Japan · n = 127 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
4
M = 7.48 ± 1.84
cliniquemixed · condition: social (pragmatic) communication disorder · Japan · n = 52 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
4
M = 6.11 ± 1.67
Social skills
6/ 10
Social skills subscale
items 1, 11, 13, 15, 22, 36, 44, 45, 47, 48
généralemixed · general population · Japan · n = 49 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
6
M = 2.73 ± 2.41
cliniquemixed · condition: autism spectrum disorder · Japan · n = 127 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
6
M = 7.71 ± 2.19
cliniquemixed · condition: social (pragmatic) communication disorder · Japan · n = 52 · 2023 · Yoshinaga et al. (2023)
010
6
M = 7.07 ± 2.23
Have your patient take this test
Assign it in one click: your patient answers on their phone, you receive the score and its interpretation.
What the test measures
The AQ measures the expression of autistic traits across five core cognitive and behavioral domains, capturing both overt challenges and internal processing styles:
- Social skills: The preference for solitary versus shared activities and the ease of navigating group dynamics.
- Attention switching: The individual's cognitive flexibility, preference for routine, and ability to handle sudden interruptions.
- Attention to detail: A propensity to notice minute acoustic, visual, or numerical patterns that others often overlook.
- Communication: The ability to decipher non-verbal cues, interpret conversational timing, and comfortably sustain social dialogue.
- Imagination: The capacity to visualize mental scenes, understand character intentions in fiction, and engage in perspective-taking.
This instrument is intended for adults with normal intelligence, providing a dimensional view of traits rather than categorical pathology.
When and why to use it
Clinicians typically deploy the AQ to explore potential neurodivergence in adults presenting with long-standing social or occupational challenges.
- Intake baseline: To systematically map cognitive styles and interpersonal preferences when a patient suspects they might be on the autism spectrum.
- Differential support: To distinguish autistic traits from overlapping presentations, such as rigidities in OCD or interpersonal struggles seen in Personality Disorders (DSM-5).
- Symptom overlap: To clarify if chronic exhaustion is linked to masking autistic traits or points to Burnout and persistent Depression.
- Executive functioning: To separate attentional hyperfocus from the shifting challenges often targeted when Managing ADHD.
- Anxiety triggers: To map how disruptions in routine provoke distress, which helps when Exploring Your Anxiety Experience with the patient.
Using a validated measure grounds the clinical impression in standardized data, offering a clearer threshold for further investigation.
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The questions
- Read each statement carefully and indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with it. There are no right or wrong answers; choose the option that best describes you.1. I prefer to do things with others rather than on my own.Assesses the baseline preference for solitary versus collaborative activities.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 2. I prefer to do things the same way over and over again.Probes the psychological reliance on repetitive routines and predictability.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 3. When I try to imagine something, I find it very easy to create a picture in my mind.Evaluates the capacity for visual imagination and mental imagery.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 4. I frequently get so strongly absorbed in one thing that I lose sight of everything else.Explores the tendency for intense hyperfocus to the exclusion of surroundings.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 5. My attention is often drawn to quiet sounds that others don't notice.Captures heightened sensory perception regarding subtle acoustic stimuli.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 6. I usually notice car number plates or other similar strings of information.Measures the spontaneous observation of structured alphanumeric data.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 7. People often tell me that what I've said is rude, even when I think it's polite.Identifies difficulties in intuitively gauging social appropriateness or tact.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 8. When I'm reading a story, I can easily imagine what the characters might look like.Assesses the ability to construct mental representations of fictional characters.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 9. I am fascinated by dates.Probes a specific, intense cognitive fascination with calendar dates.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 10. In a group, I can easily keep track of several different people's conversations.Evaluates auditory processing and attention division in complex social environments.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 11. I find social situations easy.Assesses general comfort and subjective ease in social interactions.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 12. I tend to notice details that others do not.Captures the perceptual tendency to notice minute details overlooked by others.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 13. I would rather go to a library than a party.Highlights the preference for quiet, structured environments over highly stimulating social gatherings.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 14. I find it easy to make up stories.Explores the cognitive flexibility required for spontaneous storytelling.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 15. I am more drawn to people than to things.Measures the inherent draw toward human interaction versus object-oriented engagement.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 16. I tend to have very strong interests. I get upset if I can't pursue them.Evaluates emotional attachment to special interests and distress upon interruption.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 17. I enjoy social chitchat.Assesses the subjective enjoyment of casual social conversations.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 18. When I'm talking, it's not always easy for others to get a word in.Identifies challenges in managing the reciprocal flow and timing of dialogue.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 19. I am fascinated by numbers.Probes a specific, intense cognitive fascination with numerical systems.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 20. When I'm reading a story, I find it difficult to figure out the characters' intentions.Evaluates challenges in theory of mind when interpreting fictional narratives.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 21. I don't particularly enjoy reading fiction.Highlights a reduced preference for imaginative or narrative-driven literature.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 22. I find it hard to make new friends.Assesses perceived difficulty in initiating and building new relationships.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 23. I constantly notice patterns in things around me.Captures the spontaneous recognition of visual or structural patterns.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 24. I would rather go to the theater than a museum.Evaluates the preference for structured observation over narrative performance.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 25. It doesn't bother me if my daily routine is disrupted.Probes emotional resilience and cognitive flexibility when routines change.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 26. I often find that I don't know how to keep a conversation going.Identifies practical difficulties in sustaining the momentum of social interactions.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 27. I find it easy to 'read between the lines' when someone is talking to me.Assesses the intuitive ability to decode implied or non-literal meanings.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 28. I usually focus more on the whole picture, rather than the small details.Evaluates whether cognitive processing defaults to global concepts or local details.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 29. I'm not very good at remembering phone numbers.Captures working memory performance regarding specific numerical sequences.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 30. I don't usually notice small changes in a situation or someone's appearance.Measures perceptual awareness of subtle environmental or interpersonal changes.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 31. I know how to tell when the person I'm talking to is getting bored.Evaluates the ability to read non-verbal cues related to listener engagement.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 32. I find it easy to do more than one thing at once.Probes executive functioning capability for simultaneous multi-tasking.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 33. When I'm on the phone, I'm not sure when it's my turn to speak.Identifies challenges in interpreting pragmatic turn-taking cues during phone calls.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 34. I enjoy doing things spontaneously.Assesses comfort with unstructured, impromptu activities.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 35. I am often the last one to understand the point of a joke.Evaluates the speed and intuition involved in grasping humor or social nuance.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 36. I find it easy to figure out what others are thinking or feeling just by looking at their face.Measures confidence in decoding emotional states directly from facial expressions.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 37. If I am interrupted, I can easily go back to what I was doing.Explores the executive capacity to resume tasks efficiently after a disruption.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 38. I am good at social chitchat.Assesses self-perceived competence in casual, superficial social exchanges.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 39. People often tell me that I say the same things over and over again.Identifies a tendency toward repetitive or perseverative conversational topics.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 40. When I was a child, I used to enjoy playing pretend games with others.Evaluates the childhood history of engaging in reciprocal pretend play.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 41. I like to collect information about categories of things.Probes the drive to systematically categorize and amass specific information.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 42. I find it difficult to imagine what it's like to be someone else.Assesses the cognitive empathy required for active perspective-taking.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 43. I like to carefully plan any activity I participate in.Highlights the psychological need for meticulous pre-planning and structure.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 44. I enjoy social events.Measures the general baseline enjoyment of social and community gatherings.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 45. I find it difficult to figure out other people's intentions.Evaluates broader difficulties in intuitively deciphering others' motives.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 46. New situations make me anxious.Captures the anticipatory anxiety triggered by novel or unfamiliar contexts.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 47. I enjoy meeting new people.Assesses the subjective comfort and interest in encountering unfamiliar people.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 48. I am a diplomatic person.Probes self-perceived tactfulness and the ability to navigate delicate social dynamics.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 49. I'm not very good at remembering people's birthdays.Identifies difficulties in retaining specific personal data about others.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
- 50. I find it very easy to play pretend games with children.Evaluates the current capacity to engage fluidly in imaginative play scenarios.
- Definitely agree
- Slightly agree
- Slightly disagree
- Definitely disagree
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