Autism test for adults (AQ-10)

The AQ-10 is a 10-question autism screening test for adults from the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge. It takes about 2 minutes and is for adults who do not have a learning disability. Each question scores up to 1 point; a score of 6 or more suggests a specialist diagnostic assessment. The result is not a diagnosis.

0 of 10 answered

Please tick one option per question only:

  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, types of bird, types of train, types of plant etc)
  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

Result

Your result and its explanation will appear here after you answer all 10 questions.

About this questionnaire

  • The AQ-10 was developed by Allison, Auyeung and Baron-Cohen at the Autism Research Centre (ARC), University of Cambridge. It is a short version of the 50-question Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), meant as a quick referral guide for adults with suspected autism who do not have a learning disability. It is recommended in NICE clinical guideline CG142.
  • The AQ measures the number of autistic traits a person has. It is not a diagnostic test. Only a specialist can diagnose autism.
  • The questions and scoring are the official ARC form, without changes.

Scoring

  • Score 1 point for Definitely or Slightly Agree on each of items 1, 7, 8 and 10. Score 1 point for Definitely or Slightly Disagree on each of items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9. The total is from 0 to 10.
ScoreResultMeaning
0–5Below the referral scoreYour score is below 6, the score at which the form suggests a referral.
6–10Specialist assessment suggestedYour score is 6 or above. The form says: consider referring them for a specialist diagnostic assessment.

Helplines

If you feel distressed, cannot cope, or have thoughts of harming yourself, please call one of the helplines below.

  • 18111 Mental Health Support Hotline

    18111

    Set up and fully funded by the Hong Kong Government (Health Bureau). Staffed 24 hours a day, all year round, with referral to other services where needed.

  • The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong

    2389 22222389 2223

    2389 2222 is the 24-hour emotional support hotline; 2389 2223 is the English-language line. It is a charity, not a government service.

  1. Hong Kong Government press releases: Government launches 24-hour Mental Health Support Hotline to provide one-stop support for people with mental health needs (with photos)
  2. The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong: The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong

Helpline details last checked: 27 October 2026.

Source and copyright

Autism Spectrum Quotient – 10 items, Adult (AQ-10)
Allison C, Auyeung B, and Baron-Cohen S, (2012) Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 51(2):202-12.
© SBC/CA/BA/ARC/Cambridge University. Source: Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge. Free of charge for non-profit use.
The questions and answers are the official English AQ-10 form from the Autism Research Centre.
  1. Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge: Autism Spectrum Quotient – 10 items (AQ-10) (Adult)
  2. Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge: Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) (Adult) – Chinese (Simplified)
  3. Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge: Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) – Chinese (Taiwan)

Last checked: 27 October 2026.