Autism Test for Adults — AQ-10 Spectrum Quotient

What it measures

The AQ-10 measures the number of autistic traits you endorse across five areas: attention to detail, attention switching, communication, imagination, and social skills. It is recommended by NICE for adults aged 16 and over (without moderate or severe learning disability) to help decide whether a referral for a full autism diagnostic assessment is warranted.

How it works

You rate your agreement with 10 short statements about everyday thinking and social experiences. Each answer is scored 0 or 1 in the autistic direction — the direction depends on the item, since some traits score on agree and others on disagree. Scores range from 0 to 10; a score of 6 or above is the NICE-recommended threshold to consider a specialist referral. The whole screen takes two to three minutes.

Tips for an accurate result

• 1A positive screen is not a diagnosis — Scoring 6 or above means this brief screen is positive and a fuller assessment is worthwhile — it does not confirm autism. Only a specialist clinician can make a diagnosis after a comprehensive evaluation.
• 2A negative screen does not rule out autism — Autistic people, particularly those who have developed strong masking strategies, sometimes score below the threshold. If you have concerns, discuss them with your GP regardless of your score.
• 3Bring your result to your GP — Your AQ-10 score is a useful conversation starter. A GP can refer you to an NHS autism diagnostic service or advise on private assessment routes if a referral is appropriate.
• 4Other conditions can influence your answers — Anxiety, depression, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, and high levels of stress can all affect how you respond. A thorough assessment will consider these possibilities.