What is the Autism Quotient (AQ) Test? Complete Guide

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Table of contents

• Introduction
• What is the AQ test and who developed it?
• What does the AQ test measure?
• How many questions are on the AQ test?
• How scoring works and what the scores mean
• Can the AQ test diagnose autism?
• Why it can’t diagnose
• How reliable is the AQ compared to other autism tests?
• Comparisons with other tools
• Research and accuracy
• Strengths and limitations of the AQ
• Strengths
• Limitations
• How to use the AQ test responsibly
• Where to take the AQ test online
• Conclusion

Introduction

If you’ve searched for “What is the Autism Quotient” or wondered whether an online questionnaire could help you understand autistic traits, this guide will walk you through the Autism Quotient (AQ) test in plain language. We explain who developed it, what it measures, how scoring works, and what a result may — and may not — mean for you.

What is the AQ test and who developed it?

The Autism Quotient (AQ) test is a short self-report questionnaire designed to measure autistic traits in adults with average or above-average intelligence. It was developed by researchers at the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge, led by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues. The AQ was introduced to provide a simple, research-based screening tool to quantify traits commonly associated with autism in the general population.

What does the AQ test measure?

The AQ focuses on five core areas associated with autism spectrum traits:

• Social skills: difficulties or differences with social interaction and intuitive social understanding.
• Attention switching (also called flexibility): how easily a person moves between tasks, thoughts, or activities.
• Attention to detail (detail orientation): preference for focusing on small details or patterns rather than broader context.
• Communication: differences in verbal and nonverbal communication styles.
• Imagination: tendencies in imaginative play, creativity, or perspective-taking.

These five domains give a snapshot of strengths and challenges that often appear together in autistic people. The AQ is not exhaustive, but it highlights areas commonly explored in clinical assessment.

How many questions are on the AQ test?

The standard AQ test contains 50 items. Each statement asks you to indicate agreement or disagreement on everyday behaviors and preferences. The questionnaire is intentionally brief so it can be completed quickly as an initial self-assessment.

How scoring works and what the scores mean

Each AQ item is scored so that an answer reflecting an autistic trait receives one point. Total scores range from 0 to 50.

Typical scoring interpretation:

• 0–25: fewer autistic traits than average in the samples used in initial research.
• 26–31: elevated autistic traits (sometimes considered borderline).
• 32 and above: clinically significant levels of autistic traits as suggested in the original study.

A score of 32 or higher was used in the development paper as a threshold indicating a high likelihood of clinically relevant autistic traits. However, cutoffs are not absolute. Scores should be understood in context — age, gender, co-occurring conditions, and life experience can all influence responses.

Can the AQ test diagnose autism?

No. The AQ is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It can suggest the presence of autistic traits and help identify people who may benefit from a full diagnostic assessment, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis.

Why it can’t diagnose:

• Self-report limitation: Responses depend on personal insight and self-awareness.
• Narrow scope: The AQ covers common traits but lacks the depth of diagnostic tools that use clinical observation and developmental history.
• No clinical interview: Diagnostic assessments include structured interviews, observation, and often input from family or carers.

If your AQ score is high, the recommended next step is to consult a specialist who can perform a comprehensive assessment (for example, an autism specialist or clinical neuropsychologist). You can find local specialists through NeuroDirect’s directory.

How reliable is the AQ compared to other autism tests?

The AQ is reliable for what it was designed to do: quickly screen for autistic traits in adults. It has been widely used in research and clinical settings as a first-step measure. That said, reliability and validity vary depending on context and comparison tools.

Comparisons with other tools:

RAADS-R and other extended questionnaires: Tools like the RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale — Revised) are longer and probe more areas (including sensory issues and developmental history), which can improve sensitivity for identifying autism in adults. For an in-depth look at RAADS-R, NeuroDirect’s RAADS-R guide.

Diagnostic gold standards (ADOS, ADI-R): Clinical assessments such as the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview — Revised) involve observation, structured interaction, and detailed developmental history. These tools are used by clinicians to make a formal diagnosis and cannot be replaced by the AQ.

Research and accuracy:

Studies have found the AQ to have reasonable sensitivity and specificity as a screening measure, especially when combined with clinical judgment. For readers who want to review primary research, the Autism Research Centre hosts details and papers about the AQ: Autism Research Centre details. A useful review of screening tool performance can be found in peer-reviewed literature (see this overview).

Strengths and limitations of the AQ

Strengths:

• Quick and free to use online.
• Useful for raising awareness about trait patterns.
• Good starting point for research or self-reflection.

Limitations:

• Self-report biases and limited insight can affect accuracy.
• Not suitable as a standalone diagnostic tool.
• May miss nuances such as masking/camouflaging or late-diagnosed autism presentations.
• Cultural differences can influence how items are interpreted.

How to use the AQ test responsibly

• Use it as a first step, not a conclusion. A high score suggests that further assessment is worthwhile.
• Share results with a qualified clinician if you’re concerned.
• Consider follow-up assessments that include observation and developmental history.
• Try complementary screening tools if you want a broader picture (for example, the RAADS-R).

Where to take the AQ test online

NeuroDirect’s free AQ test offers a free online version of the Autism Quotient test with instant results and guidance on next steps. If your results point to further evaluation, check our directory for specialists: NeuroDirect’s directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The AQ test is a practical, research-based screening tool that answers the question “what is the AQ test” by offering a quick measure of autistic traits across five domains. It’s valuable for self-assessment and research, but it is not a substitute for a full diagnostic evaluation. If you receive a high score or recognize patterns in your life that cause concern, the next step is a professional assessment.

Take the free AQ test online and see your personalised score instantly.