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.

Mental health helpline

If you feel distressed, cannot cope, or have thoughts of harming yourself, please call the helpline below and speak to a trained counsellor.

  • Tele-MANAS

    144161-800-891-4416

    Free national mental health helpline of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. You can choose your language when you call.

  1. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: Tele-MANAS

Helpline details last checked: 26 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)

Last checked: 26 October 2026.