Free AQ-10 Quick Autism Screening
The AQ-10 (Autism Quotient-10) is the shortest validated autism screening tool in widespread clinical use. Developed as a rapid-screening version of the full AQ-50, it's used by GPs and clinicians to quickly determine whether a patient should be referred for a full autism assessment.
If you're looking for more depth after the AQ-10, we also offer the full AQ-50 (50 questions) and the RAADS-R (80 questions designed specifically for adults). All screenings are free, instant, and completely private.
All Available Autism Tests
Four clinically validated assessments — from a 2-minute quick screen to a comprehensive 80-question evaluation.
AQ-10
Autism Spectrum Quotient — 10 Items
A quick 10-question screening tool for adults
AQ-50
Autism Spectrum Quotient — 50 Items
Comprehensive autism screening questionnaire
RAADS-R
Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised
Detailed assessment for adults who suspect autism
M-CHAT-R
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised
Parent-reported screening for toddlers
Take the Free AQ-10 Test Now
AQ-10
Autism Spectrum Quotient — 10 Items
A quick 10-question screening tool for adults
How it works:
- You'll answer 10 questions about your experiences
- Rate how much you agree or disagree with each statement
- You'll receive your results immediately
Important: This screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What the AQ-10 Covers
The AQ-10 selects the 10 most diagnostically powerful questions from the AQ-50. These questions touch on:
- Social awareness: Difficulty reading social situations and understanding what others are thinking or feeling.
- Conversational patterns: Challenges with back-and-forth conversation, knowing when to speak, and reading between the lines.
- Imagination and flexibility: Preference for factual information, difficulty with pretend scenarios, and need for routine.
- Attention and focus: Strong attention to detail and patterns, with difficulty switching between tasks.
Why We Recommend Going Beyond 10 Questions
While the AQ-10 is useful as a clinical gateway, 10 questions can miss important nuances—especially for people who mask their traits. For a more thorough self-assessment, consider the AQ-50 (which evaluates five trait domains across 50 questions) or the RAADS-R (80 questions designed specifically for adults, using a lifetime pattern scale).
The RAADS-R in particular uses a response format that captures how traits have changed over your lifetime—helping differentiate between occasional experiences and pervasive patterns.
After the Screening
Whether you start with the AQ-10, the AQ-50, the RAADS-R, or another tool, what matters most is what you do with the information. Explore our resources, learn about sensory processing and neurodiversity, and consider whether a formal evaluation would be helpful for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AQ-10 test?
The AQ-10 is a rapid autism screening tool consisting of 10 questions extracted from the full AQ-50. It was developed for use in clinical settings where time is limited, such as GP consultations. It can be completed in about 2 minutes and provides a quick indication of whether a full autism assessment may be warranted.
How is the AQ-10 scored?
Each of the 10 questions is scored 0 or 1, giving a total between 0 and 10. A score of 6 or above is the standard referral threshold, indicating that autistic traits are present at a level that warrants further assessment. The AQ-10 has been shown to correctly identify approximately 88% of autistic individuals in research studies.
Is the AQ-10 enough to know if I'm autistic?
No. The AQ-10 is a brief screening tool—a starting point, not an answer. A score above the threshold means it's worth exploring further through a more comprehensive screening like the AQ-50 (50 questions) or the RAADS-R (80 questions), or through a formal clinical evaluation. Many people with elevated AQ-10 scores are not autistic, and some autistic people score below the threshold.
What's the difference between AQ-10 and a full autism assessment?
The AQ-10 takes 2 minutes and uses 10 self-report questions. A full clinical autism assessment involves detailed developmental history, observation, structured interviews, and can take several hours across multiple sessions. Our free screening sits between these—more thorough than the AQ-10 but accessible and private.