What Is a Normal RAADS-R Score?
Estimated reading time: 4 min
Quick summary
- A lower score on the RAADS-R generally indicates fewer autistic traits; a higher score suggests more traits.
- A commonly used cutoff indicates scores above a certain threshold are suggestive of autism traits and may warrant further assessment.
- RAADS-R results are screening-level information—not a diagnosis—and should be discussed with a clinician.
Table of contents
- Quick summary
- How is the RAADS-R scored?
- What is a “normal” RAADS-R score?
- What score indicates autism traits?
- How should I interpret RAADS-R results?
- Should I be concerned about my score?
- Limitations of the RAADS-R
- Where to learn more and next steps
- Final thoughts
How is the RAADS-R scored?
The RAADS-R is a self-report questionnaire designed for adults. It asks about long-term patterns in social interaction, language, sensory reactivity and focused interests. Each item is scored and summed to produce a total score. The test also produces subscale scores that map to different areas of autistic experience (for example, social communication or sensory differences).
Key points about scoring and administration:
- It’s a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument: it flags the likelihood of autistic traits but does not confirm a diagnosis.
- Responses are combined into a total score and sometimes into subscale scores; higher totals indicate more reported autistic traits.
- Scoring methods, item counts and cutoffs are set by the test’s developers; online versions often replicate the same scoring rules.
What is a “normal” RAADS-R score?
There isn’t a single universal “normal RAADS-R score” that applies to everyone. In screening tools, “normal” typically means scores below a threshold that suggests clinically significant autistic traits. People without significant autism traits commonly score lower on the RAADS-R, while those who meet diagnostic criteria often score above the established cutoff.
In practice, clinicians treat lower scores as indicating fewer autism-related traits and higher scores as indicating more. The exact numbers you’ll see reported in guidance materials indicate where to consider follow-up rather than being a binary diagnosis.
What score indicates autism traits?
Most clinicians use a predefined cutoff point to interpret RAADS-R results. Scores above this threshold suggest the presence of autistic traits and mean it may be helpful to pursue a formal assessment. That said, screening cutoffs are guidelines — not definitive answers. Several factors influence interpretation, including age, gender, cultural background, co-occurring conditions, and whether someone learns to mask or compensate for differences.
If your score is above the suggested threshold, it does not automatically mean you have autism. It means that the pattern of answers you provided resembles patterns commonly seen in autistic adults and that further evaluation by a specialist is appropriate.
How should I interpret RAADS-R results?
When you get RAADS-R results, consider these steps to interpret them responsibly:
- See the score as an indicator, not a diagnosis. Screening tests are a starting point.
- Look at subscale scores as well as the total score to understand which areas (social communication, sensory differences, restricted interests, language) contributed most to your result.
- Think about context: childhood history, current functioning, and co-existing conditions (anxiety, ADHD, learning differences) all affect how traits present.
- Discuss results with a qualified clinician who understands adult autism — they can recommend a formal diagnostic assessment if appropriate.
Should I be concerned about my score?
Not necessarily. A higher RAADS-R score can be helpful information, and concern can be constructive if it leads to clarity, support or accommodations. Here’s what to consider:
- If your score is below the screening threshold: this usually suggests few or no autism-related traits detected by the questionnaire. If you still have concerns, you can discuss them with a clinician.
- If your score is near or above the threshold: it’s reasonable to seek a specialist opinion to understand whether an assessment is needed and what supports might help.
- If your score doesn’t match how you feel: remember that self-report tools may miss masked or subtle traits. A specialist assessment can explore your history in depth.
Worry is most useful when it motivates action — like getting a professional opinion, arranging workplace or educational adjustments, or connecting with peer support. If you’d like help finding a clinician, NeuroDirect can help you find a specialist.
Limitations of the RAADS-R
No screening tool is perfect. Limitations include:
- Self-report bias: answers depend on self-awareness and honesty.
- Masking and compensation: some adults learn social strategies that reduce the visibility of traits on a questionnaire.
- Overlap with other conditions: ADHD, anxiety, depression and learning differences can affect responses.
Because of these limitations, clinicians use screening scores alongside clinical interviews, developmental history and, when necessary, standardized diagnostic assessments.
Where to learn more and next steps
If you want to take a screening test to get initial insight, NeuroDirect offers an online RAADS-R test you can try: Take the RAADS-R test. For more background on the test and its use, reputable resources include research summaries and clinical write-ups (for example, see the RAADS-R information on Embrace Autism and relevant peer-reviewed papers).
Useful resources:
Final thoughts
The RAADS-R is a practical screening instrument that helps identify adults who may have autistic traits and who could benefit from a full diagnostic assessment. A “normal RAADS-R score” generally means a lower score that does not meet the screening threshold; scores above that threshold suggest autistic traits and a need for further evaluation.
If your results raise questions for you, the best course is a conversation with a clinician experienced in adult autism. They can review your RAADS-R results in context, explore your developmental history, and advise on assessment and support options. If you want help locating a specialist, visit our Find a Specialist page at NeuroDirect.
FAQs
What is considered a normal RAADS-R score?
A normal RAADS-R score generally means a lower score that falls below the screening cutoff, indicating fewer autistic traits. It does not rule autism in or out on its own.
What RAADS-R score suggests autism?
Scores above the commonly used cutoff suggest the presence of autistic traits and indicate that a formal clinical assessment may be appropriate, but they do not confirm a diagnosis.
Can you still be autistic with a low RAADS-R score?
Yes. Some people, especially those who mask traits or have subtle presentations, may score lower on the RAADS-R despite being autistic.
How accurate is the RAADS-R test?
The RAADS-R is a validated screening tool that can highlight autism-related traits, but it is not diagnostic and must be interpreted alongside clinical evaluation.
Should I worry if my RAADS-R score is high?
A high score is not something to panic about. It is best seen as useful information that can guide next steps, such as speaking with a clinician or seeking further assessment.
