Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS–R)
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The RAADS–R is an 80-item self-report tool used to identify autism spectrum traits in verbally fluent adults. It is designed to support diagnostic assessment in individuals who may not have been identified in childhood and is typically administered in collaboration with a clinician.
Recommended Frequency: Administer once during diagnostic intake for ASD, or when clinically indicated due to late-identified traits or diagnostic clarification in adulthood.
About the RAADS–R
The RAADS–R was developed to help identify autism spectrum conditions in adults with average or above-average intellectual and verbal ability. It evaluates traits consistent with DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria for autism, particularly in individuals whose symptoms may have been missed earlier in life. It is often used in outpatient psychiatry, adult autism assessment clinics, and research.
Psychometric Properties
The RAADS–R has demonstrated strong psychometric performance, including:
- Sensitivity: 97%
- Specificity: 100%
- Cutoff score: ≥65 suggests possible ASD traits
- Mean ASD score in validation: ~135 (Ritvo et al., 2011)
The scale includes four empirically derived subscales:
- Social Relatedness
- Circumscribed Interests
- Language
- Sensory–Motor Symptoms
The RAADS–R has been validated across multiple adult clinical populations, including individuals with depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric diagnoses.
Source: Ritvo et al., 2011
The Scale
The RAADS–R includes 80 items, each rated using a 4-point scale reflecting both time and persistence of traits:
- “True now and when I was young”
- “True only now”
- “True only when I was younger than 16”
- “Never true”
Responses are weighted and scored to yield subscale and total scores. The tool must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical judgment and history-taking.
Score Range
- 0–64: Below clinical threshold
- 65+: Suggestive of ASD traits; further diagnostic evaluation recommended Typical scores in ASD-diagnosed adults are substantially higher than the threshold.
Copyright
© 2011 Dr. Riva Ariella Ritvo and collaborators. The RAADS–R is made available for clinical use with proper attribution under a Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license.
References
- Ritvo, R. A., Ritvo, E. R., Guthrie, D., Ritvo, M. J., Hufnagel, D. H., McMahon, W., & Eloff, J. (2011). The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale–Revised (RAADS–R): A scale to assist the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(9), 1076–1089. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-1133-5
Disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. HiBoop does not offer diagnostic services or interpret RAADS–R results. This tool should be used only by qualified clinicians as part of a broader diagnostic evaluation.
Permissions
The RAADS–R is freely available for non-commercial clinical and research use with appropriate attribution. Modification and resale are not permitted without express permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give the RAADS–R remotely?
Yes. It can be completed digitally via HiBoop’s secure assessment links.
How long does it take to complete?
Roughly 15–30 minutes, depending on the client’s comfort with introspection and reading comprehension.
Is it useful for people with co-occurring conditions like ADHD or trauma?
Yes. Many traits overlap, so it’s especially useful when autism may be masked or misattributed.
Can the RAADS–R diagnose autism?
No. It supports the diagnostic process but should not be used alone to make or rule out a diagnosis.