AQ-50 Autism Self-Assessment for Adults
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50) is a 50-item self-report questionnaire for adults aged 16 and over. Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen et al. at the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, it is the most widely used autism screening instrument in adult research and clinical practice.
- Questions
- 50
- Format
- 4-point scale
- Time
- ~12 minutes
- Completed by
- Self-report
- Age range
- 16+ years
About the AQ-50
First published in 2001, the AQ-50 measures five domains: social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination. Respondents rate each item from 'Definitely Agree' to 'Definitely Disagree' based on how they typically feel or behave. A score of 26 or above is the commonly cited positive screen threshold in clinical and research literature.
The AQ-50 has been used in hundreds of research studies and is frequently used to support referral decisions in adult autism diagnostic services. This online version follows the original validated scoring protocol and provides an instant result.
Source: Autism Spectrum Quotient – Full 50 — Baron-Cohen et al. (2001), Autism Research Centre, Cambridge
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use the AQ-50 to self-diagnose?
- No. The AQ-50 is a screening tool only. A score above the threshold indicates traits consistent with autism spectrum disorder, but a diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical assessment by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
- Is the AQ-50 the same as the AQ-10?
- No. The AQ-10 is a shortened 10-item version sometimes used in clinical settings for rapid triage. The AQ-50 is the full instrument with higher sensitivity and is better suited to self-assessment.
- Is the AQ-50 valid for women and non-binary individuals?
- The AQ was originally developed and normed primarily on male samples. Research shows that autistic women and non-binary individuals may present differently and some traits captured by the AQ are less salient for them. The results should be interpreted in context, and a full clinical assessment is the gold standard for any gender.
- What score is considered positive?
- A score of 26 or more is the commonly cited clinical threshold. Scores of 32 or above are associated with a higher likelihood of autism spectrum disorder in research samples. The results page explains your specific score band.
- I scored below 26 but still wonder if I'm autistic. What now?
- Screening tools can miss presentations that don't align with the items measured. If you have persistent concerns despite a low score, discuss them with a GP or mental health professional — they can consider factors a questionnaire cannot capture.
Free · Private · Results in under 15 minutes