Free Autism Quotient Test
The Autism Quotient (AQ) is one of the most recognized autism screening tools in the world. Created by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, the AQ measures how many autistic traits you have and how strongly they present.
Our free screening uses the same evidence-based methodology, distilled into 18 focused questions aligned with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. It evaluates the same domains the AQ covers—social skills, communication, and behavioral patterns—in a fast, accessible format.
Take the free Autism Quotient screening
18 questions, 5 minutes, completely free and private.
Start the Free TestUnderstanding the Autism Quotient
The AQ was designed to measure autistic traits in the general population—not just in people who already have a diagnosis. This makes it valuable for adults who suspect they may be autistic but have never been formally evaluated.
The AQ measures five trait domains:
- Social Skills: Comfort in group settings, ability to read social atmospheres, and preference for social vs. solitary activities.
- Communication: Conversational reciprocity, understanding of metaphor and sarcasm, and comfort with small talk.
- Imagination: Engagement with fiction, pretend play history, and ability to imagine others' perspectives.
- Attention to Detail: Pattern recognition, noticing small changes, and focus on specific details—often a significant strength.
- Attention Switching: Ease of transitioning between tasks, tolerance for interruptions, and flexibility with changing plans.
AQ Versions: AQ-50 vs. AQ-10
The original AQ-50 is the comprehensive version with 50 questions. The AQ-10 is a shortened version using the 10 most discriminating questions, designed for quick screening in clinical settings.
Our screening sits between these—more thorough than the AQ-10 but faster than the AQ-50. At 18 questions, it captures the essential clinical domains without the time commitment of the full AQ-50.
What Your Score Means
Our screening evaluates your responses across two domains: Social Communication (10 questions) and Behavioral & Sensory Patterns (8 questions). We look for clinically significant frequencies—how often you experience these traits—rather than simple agree/disagree.
For a full explanation of thresholds and scoring, see our Understanding Your Results page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Autism Quotient (AQ) test?
The Autism Quotient (AQ) is a family of self-report questionnaires developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge. The most well-known versions are the AQ-50 (50 questions) and AQ-10 (10 questions). They measure autistic traits in the general population across domains like social skills, communication, imagination, attention to detail, and attention switching.
What is a 'normal' Autism Quotient score?
On the AQ-50, the general population averages a score of around 16-17. Men tend to score slightly higher than women. A score of 26+ suggests elevated autistic traits, while 32+ is the standard clinical threshold suggesting a high likelihood of autism warranting further evaluation. On the AQ-10, a score of 6+ is the referral threshold.
Can the Autism Quotient test diagnose autism?
No. The AQ is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It identifies the presence and intensity of autistic traits but cannot account for differential diagnoses, developmental history, or the full clinical picture needed for a formal autism diagnosis. Think of it as a first step—a way to understand whether further exploration is warranted.
Where can I take the Autism Quotient test for free?
Our screening at Free Autism Test uses the same evidence-based approach as the Autism Quotient, aligned with DSM-5 criteria. It's completely free, takes 5 minutes, requires no account, and processes everything in your browser for total privacy. You can also find the original AQ-50 in published research papers.