Self-screener

Autism self-screener

The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10). 10 questions, around 3 minutes. Runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.

This is not a diagnostic tool. A positive result means it may be worth speaking to your GP or a private clinician. It does not mean you are autistic. A negative result does not rule autism out. This screener is for adults aged 16 and over.

About the AQ-10

The Autism Spectrum Quotient 10-item scale (AQ-10) was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at the University of Cambridge Autism Research Centre. It is a brief, validated screening tool widely used in NHS settings, including in Scotland, to help identify adults who may benefit from a full autism assessment.

The AQ-10 asks 10 questions about everyday experiences. Some questions score when you agree; others score when you disagree. A total score of 6 or more is considered a positive screen.

10questions
~3minutes
No data stored
Think about yourself generally Your answers are completely private — nothing is saved or sent

After completing the screener

If your responses suggest autism traits may be present, the next step is to speak to your GP or a private clinician. You can share your AQ-10 score as a starting point — it is not a clinical document, but it can help you make the case for a referral for full assessment.

See our NHS autism pathway page for information on what to expect in Scotland, including what happens at a full assessment and how long you might wait.

Also worth trying

ASRS-v1.1 ADHD self-screener — for adults 18 questions · ~5 minutes Start screener → WFIRS-P Functional impact — parent report 50 questions · for parents and carers Start scale →

Source and copyright

The AQ-10 is copyright © 2012 Allison C, Auyeung B, Baron-Cohen S, University of Cambridge. It is reproduced here for non-commercial public information use in accordance with the Autism Research Centre's published permissions. The full questionnaire and scoring guidance are available from the Autism Research Centre.

Citation: Allison C, Auyeung B, Baron-Cohen S. Toward brief "red flags" for autism spectrum disorders: 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 and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2012;51(2):202–212.

ADHD Scot is an independent, non-clinical information project. This screener is not a diagnosis. Always speak to your GP or a qualified clinician about your own health.