Autism Screening for Adolescents (AQ-Adolescent)
The Autism Spectrum Quotient – Adolescent version (AQ-Adolescent) is a 50-item parent-completed questionnaire measuring autism spectrum traits in young people aged 12 to 15. It assesses social skills, communication, attention switching, attention to detail, and imagination.
- Questions
- 50
- Format
- 4-point scale
- Time
- ~12 minutes
- Completed by
- Parent or caregiver
- Age range
- 12–15 years
About the AQ-Adolescent
The AQ-Adolescent was developed by Baron-Cohen et al. at the Autism Research Centre as a direct adaptation of the adult AQ-50, normed specifically for the adolescent population. It is used in clinical practice and research to flag young people who may benefit from a full autism assessment.
Parents or guardians rate each item on a 4-point scale from 'Definitely Agree' to 'Definitely Disagree'. The questionnaire captures both overt social difficulties and subtler traits such as preference for routines and sensory sensitivities that can become more apparent during adolescence.
Source: Autism Spectrum Quotient – Adolescent — Baron-Cohen et al. (2006), Autism Research Centre, Cambridge
Frequently asked questions
- Can my teenager fill this out themselves?
- The AQ-Adolescent is designed as a parent-report instrument, calibrated on parent observations. For ages 16 and above, the AQ-50 self-report version is available and more appropriate.
- Why screen for autism in adolescence?
- Many autistic individuals — particularly those without intellectual disability — receive their first assessment in their teens. Traits may become more apparent as social demands increase, masking strategies become harder to sustain, or mental health difficulties emerge.
- What score indicates a concern?
- Scores above the clinical threshold (detailed on the results page) suggest sufficient reported traits to warrant referral for a formal autism assessment.
- How long does the AQ-Adolescent take?
- The 50 items typically take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Each item is rated on a 4-point frequency scale.
- What should I do after a positive screen?
- Discuss the result with your GP or family doctor and request a referral to a clinical psychologist or specialist autism assessment service. Bring a printed copy of the results to support your conversation.
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