Take the AQ Test
Psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre have created the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), as a measure of autistic traits in adults.
Below is a link to the test. The average score from a control group was 16.4, and 80% of those with autism or a related disorder scored 32 or higher.
This is not a diagnostic test – and many people who score above 32 and who meet the diagnostic criteria for mild autism or Asperger’s have no difficulty in functioning in their everyday lives.
A high score on the AQ Test is not by itself diagnostic. If you have concerns that predate taking this test, it’s best to discuss this with your GP.
Once you have taken the test, please record your score in the poll below.
If you want to find out more about this test then you can go to the Autism Research Centre website
There is also more information about autism and Asperger’s at the following sites:
NHS Choices
National Autistic Society
You can also find more information in Simon Baron-Cohen’s book Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts
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I got 48 and i am 30 yrs old, female and never been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder however i had been diagnosed with behavioural problems, hyperactivity, OCD, anxiety and depression, and some specific learning difficulties. I had seen psychologists when i was a child and psychiatrists but it was pointless. A place at a school for kids with my problems was offered but it was too far away and my mother did not want me to leave home, neither did i. The worst thing is the loneliness. I have problems everyday with social situations and change. I have never had a relationship and hardly had friends.
I am a transvestite. I got 34 as myself (Adolfus) and 7 as Julie. What does that mean?
I'm 14 and I don't think I have autism, but I scored 23. Maybe I'm just socially awkward or really shy. People who do have autism are very lucky! One of the greatest genius in the world was autistic! :)
My son was born with congenital cytomegalovirus resulting in brain calcifications, global development delay, learning and behavioural difficulties. I asked his doctors if he had autism as he displays so many of the tendancies but was told as he had a good level of vocabulary for his age he didnt! Trying to keep a sensible conversation with him however is a completely different matter. We are currently awaiting a re-refferal to an educational psychologist as my son is already statemented and attending a special school. We are also awaiting another appointment with different doctors as we have moved to a new area. Ive been searching for information on a link to autism and congenital cytomegalovirus as Im sure there is one. Answering the questions on behalf of my son he scored 44. A proper diagnosis would make a world of difference to my sons life as we need to understand his behviour in order to support him 100% and at the moment feel lost and unable to help in some respects.
I got 38. The test seems to ask questions relevant to characteristics of Autism so I am not surprised.
I AM Autistic and I got 20 Just goes to show it's a spectrum
While I applaud this exercise to improve the visibility and perhaps understanding of the Autistic Spectrum it is clear looking at a few of these replies that it may cause some consternation in individuals who take the test. To many, Autism suggests isolation, behavioural and learning difficulties; while this is certainly true in some cases, perhaps the largest proportion of those who could register on the spectrum don't even know it and would be very surprised, perhaps shocked. This straw poll suggests that over 50% register (at the point of writing this) and this does not surprise me at all; in fact it is my belief that without this complex series of neurological differences we would not have scientists, engineers, mathematicians and may of the creative geniuses we have seen throughout the ages. Readers who do score and are worried, don't be; celebrate your difference and for the most part be grateful of it. Of course there are those unfortunate ones who find their differences are so misunderstood they suffer for it - generally, the difficulties that they encounter are the fault of those around them. And to those than "suspect" they "have it", welcome aboard - tell your parents and siblings, they will almost certainly "have it" too!
Very well said Gary. However it may also help some parents in very confusing and sometimes exsasperating situations understand how to treat and help there children with a little medical knowledge. But I totally agree that being a unique individual is a bonous. Sorry for spelling mistakes!! Amanda
I got 46 and am not remotely surprised. Others who got 32+ should simply see it as confirmation of not being the same as those who probably bullied them!
my husband and myself have concers about our 4yr old son with autism so we did the test on here and he scored 43 we have had him tested with the ADOS test and thay have said that he dont have autism but we know thats not true as with the things he dose is so hard to deal with and we cant understand him when to say things and he wont play with childern of his age he hides behide chairs and doors he sat on the floor infront of the cooker and washing mechine he rocks his body and flaps his arms he repets words over and over again he always needs numbers colors and letters and he has to do the same things day by day without change if change takes place he will say he is lost or sad or just scream and cry kick out i dont understand why dotcors can say thay dont know whats wronge with him. where other people say that it looks like autism and hes joints are very flexable and he has very low muscle tone in hes body can someone help please
Hi Katrina, Ask for a second opinion. You are entitled to one and if you have concerns over the conclusion your sons doctors have come to then pursue it further. My son was born with congenital cmv and has learning difficulties but displays many autistic tendancies but our previous doctor said because he had a good level of vocabulary he wasnt autistic. However he goes to special school and his teachers have referred him back to an educational psychologist to look into his behaviour further. We are also asking for another opinion as we have moved to a new area and will be seeing a new doctor. It seems to me that doctors dont like handing out this so called 'label' even though sometimes it is appropriate and I think it is luck as to how your doctor views autism. Definately ask for a second opinion - good luck!
I got 41. Bit scared, what should I do?
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