AQ-10

Autism Spectrum Quotient-10

A 10-item brief screener for autistic traits in adults.

For each statement, select the response that best matches how you feel. Answer based on how things generally are for you — not just right now.

About the AQ-10

The AQ-10 is a shortened version of the Autism Spectrum Quotient, developed by Allison, Auyeung, and Baron-Cohen as a quick referral screen for adults (recommended by the UK’s NICE guidelines). It takes roughly two minutes.

Designed for adults (16+). Not suitable for people with intellectual disability.

Scoring

Each of the 10 statements scores 0 or 1. A score of 6 or above is the suggested threshold for considering a full diagnostic assessment. About 80% of autistic adults score at or above 6 on this screener.

Important: The AQ-10 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A high score indicates that a fuller evaluation may be worthwhile, not that autism is present.

Allison, C., Auyeung, B., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2012). Toward brief “Red Flags” for autism screening: The Short Autism Spectrum Quotient and the Short Quantitative Checklist in 1,000 cases and 3,000 controls. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 51(2), 202–212.