Free online screening
Adult autism test
Ten questions based on the AQ-10, a short version of the evidence-based Autism Spectrum Quotient. Consider how much each statement applies to you.
1. I often notice small sounds when others do not.
2. I usually concentrate more on the whole picture, rather than the small details.
3. I find it easy to do more than one thing at once.
4. If there is an interruption, I can switch back to what I was doing very quickly.
5. I find it easy to ‘read between the lines’ when someone is talking to me.
6. I know how to tell if someone listening to me is getting bored.
7. When I’m reading a story, I find it difficult to work out the characters’ intentions.
8. I like to collect information about categories of things (e.g. types of car, bird, train or plant).
9. I find it easy to work out what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face.
10. I find it difficult to work out people’s intentions.
These questions may be useful to understand whether you experience some of the common behaviours and thoughts associated with being on the autistic spectrum. They are based on an evidence-based screening tool — the Autism Spectrum Quotient — but are indicative only and do not form a formal diagnosis.
Reference: S. Baron-Cohen, S. Wheelwright, R. Skinner, J. Martin and E. Clubley (2001), The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ): Evidence from Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism, Males and Females, Scientists and Mathematicians. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 31:5–17.