Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
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The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a 50-item self-report questionnaire designed by the Autism Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Cambridge to quantify the degree to which adults exhibit traits associated with Autism Spectrum Condition.
The AQ is not a diagnostic assessment; instead, it provides a structured trait profile across five cognitive–behavioral domains commonly associated with autism: Social Skills, Attention Switching, Attention to Detail, Communication, and Imagination. Scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating more autistic traits. Research suggests that scores 26 or higher reflect elevated autistic characteristics, while 32 or higher aligns with traditional research cutoff values. The AQ is widely used in screening, psychoeducation, research, and clinical triage.
Type: Autistic trait and social-cognitive profile measure
Population: Adults (16+) with average or above-average intelligence
Length: 50 items
Format: Self-report
Completion Time: 5–10 minutes
At intake when autism traits are relevant to assessment Once unless major self-perception changes or clinical reassessment is required Not recommended for routine repeated measurement, as traits tend to be stable Re-administration may be appropriate after several years or during comprehensive diagnostic reevaluation
Foundational Context
Developed by Baron-Cohen, Wheelwright, and colleagues (2001), the AQ was created to offer a quantitative approach to autistic traits in adults with average or above-average intelligence. The items were based on established cognitive models of autism, including theory of mind, social communication, sensory and detail-focused cognition, and cognitive flexibility.
The AQ’s structure reflects five conceptual domains, though scoring is typically reported as a single total score. The tool has become one of the most cited trait measures in autism research and is commonly used in clinical settings as part of referral pathways or as an adjunct to diagnostic interviews. Its purpose is not to confirm autism but to help clinicians determine whether a comprehensive autism assessment may be appropriate.
What the Assessment Measures
The AQ assesses the presence and intensity of autistic traits across five theoretical domains:
- Social Skills: social intuition, comfort in social settings, awareness of social cues
- Attention Switching: cognitive flexibility, adaptability, and task shifting
- Attention to Detail: focus on details, patterns, and perceptual precision
- Communication: pragmatic language and conversational skills
- Imagination: mental imagery, playfulness, and ability to imagine perspectives
Items are answered using a 4-point agree/disagree scale, which is then reduced to binary scoring.
Interpretation Guidelines
The AQ uses binary scoring (0–1 per item) for a total score of 0–50.
Common interpretation thresholds (research-based):
- 0–25: Typical range of autistic traits
- 26–31: Elevated autistic traits; may indicate need for further inquiry
- ≥32: Traditional research-based threshold associated with significant autistic traits
Interpretation Notes:
- The AQ is a trait indicator, not a diagnostic tool
- Scores should be considered alongside developmental history, functioning, sensory profile, and clinical interview findings
- Individuals can score high due to other neurodivergent profiles (ADHD, social anxiety, OCD, giftedness)
- Cultural, linguistic, and masking/camouflaging factors affect responses
- A low score does not rule out autism, especially in people who mask heavily or have atypical presentations
Psychometric Properties
Reliability
- Strong internal consistency across domains
- Stable trait measurement over time
- Good test–retest reliability in adult samples
Validity
- Demonstrated discriminant validity between autistic and non-autistic groups
- Good convergent validity with other autism measures
- Sensitivity and specificity vary across populations and masking profiles
- Widely used in research but not designed as a clinical diagnostic instrument
Administration Considerations
- Best used early in assessment workflows to inform referral decisions
- Works well when combined with developmental interviews, ASD-specific measures (e.g., RAADS-R), or observational tools
- Self-report may be influenced by insight, masking, or social anxiety
- Should be framed as a trait exploration tool rather than a diagnostic test
- Not well-validated for individuals with intellectual disability or low literacy
Limitations
- Not suitable for diagnosis or determining support needs
- Does not capture camouflaging or different autistic presentations (e.g., female or nonbinary profiles)
- Binary scoring may oversimplify nuances
- Cultural and linguistic differences can influence interpretation
- May under-identify autistic individuals who mask extensively or who have mild social presentation differences
Copyright
© Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge. All rights reserved.
References
- Gebauer, L., LaBrie, R., & Shaffer, H. J. (2010). Optimizing DSM-IV-TR classification accuracy: a brief biosocial screen for detecting current gambling disorders among gamblers in the general household population. Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 55(2), 82–90. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674371005500204
- Autism Research Centre. (n.d.). AQ Test. https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/tests/aq_test/
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, clinical judgment, or medical advice. The AQ is a trait measure and should not be used to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder or to make treatment decisions. Interpretation must be performed by qualified professionals within an appropriate clinical context.
Permissions
The AQ was developed by the Autism Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Cambridge. It is freely available for non-commercial clinical and research use, though reproduction of full questionnaire content requires acknowledgment and may require permission. Cite the original authors when referencing the instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the AQ be used for diagnosis?
No. It may support referral but cannot confirm autism.
Do the five domains produce separate scores?
Not in standard scoring. Only the total score is used.
Should clinicians repeat the AQ over time?
Not routinely. Autistic traits tend to remain stable.
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