What is the AQ?

  • The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a questionnaire designed to assess autistic traits in adults (child and adolescent versions are also available).

  • It is commonly used a screening tool but is not a diagnostic tool.

  • A screening tool is a preliminary measure that helps identify whether someone may have traits associated with a condition, while a diagnostic tool is a formal evaluation conducted by a qualified professional to determine whether the criteria for a diagnosis are met

Key Features of the AQ

  • Purpose: Identifies autistic traits in individuals and helps determine if further assessment is warranted.

  • Length: 50 multiple-choice questions, 5-10 minutes

  • Interpretation: Higher scores suggest more autistic traits, but does not confirm a diagnosis

  • Cut-Offs: Specific cut-off scores were identified by the researchers to correctly identify as many people with Autism as possible while reducing the chances of mistakenly identifying those who do not have Autism.

    • Score above the cut-off: Suggests the person may have a higher number of autistic traits, would likely benefit from further assessment to determine whether they meet the criteria for an Autism diagnosis and further assessment at Chris Gilbert Psychology (or elsewhere) would be recommended. However, a high score alone is not enough for a diagnosis.

    • Score below the cut-off: Suggests the person has fewer autistic traits, is less likely to meet the criteria for an Autism diagnosis and an assessment at Chris Gilbert Psychology is not currently suggested. However, Autism can still be present even if the score is low, especially in individuals who mask their traits or experience them differently and further assessment via alternative services may be helpful. Click here for alternative surveys to further explore Autistic traits.

Limitations

  • The AQ is not a diagnostic tool and should be used alongside a comprehensive clinical assessment

  • Some individuals with autism may score below the threshold, while some neurotypical individuals may score higher.

  • The AQ relies on self-reporting, which may be influenced by insight and self-awareness.

  • Many individuals (especially females) mask autistic traits, potentially lowering their AQ scores despite meeting diagnostic criteria.

  • The AQ may not accurately measure sensory sensitivities, with other surveys placing more of an emphasis on this trait of Autism.

More about the AQ

References

Auyeung, B., Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., & Allison, C. (2008). The autism spectrum quotient: Children’s version (AQ-Child). Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 38, 1230-1240.

Baron-Cohen, S., Hoekstra, R. A., Knickmeyer, R., & Wheelwright, S. (2006). The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ)—adolescent version. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 36, 343-350.

Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E. (2001). The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ): Evidence from asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, malesand females, scientists and mathematicians. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 31, 5-17.