About Autism Test Online
Free, private autism screening based on validated Cambridge University research. Learn about our mission, the science behind our tools, and our commitment to accessible neurodiversity assessment.
Last reviewed: December 2024
Our Mission
We believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health resources. Our mission is to provide free, research-based autism screening tools that help adults understand themselves better. We're committed to making validated assessment tools accessible to anyone, anywhere — without cost, registration, or data collection.
Research Foundation
Our screening tools are based on peer-reviewed research from world-renowned autism researchers
The assessments on this platform are derived from validated instruments developed by leading researchers at Cambridge University's Autism Research Centre. These tools have been cited thousands of times in academic literature and are used by healthcare professionals worldwide.
Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen
Professor of Developmental Psychopathology
University of Cambridge
Developer of the Autism Quotient (AQ) and leading autism researcher. Director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University.
Key Publication:
Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E. (2001). The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ): Evidence from Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(1), 5-17.
View on PubMedDr. Carrie Allison
Research Associate
Autism Research Centre, Cambridge
Co-developer of the AQ-10 brief screening tool and contributor to multiple autism assessment validation studies.
Key Publication:
Allison, C., Auyeung, B., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2012). Toward brief 'Red Flags' for autism screening: The Short Autism Spectrum Quotient and the Short Quantitative Checklist. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 51(2), 202-212.
View on PubMedDr. Sally Wheelwright
Senior Research Associate
Autism Research Centre, Cambridge
Key contributor to the development and validation of the Autism Quotient and Empathy Quotient assessments.
Key Publication:
Wheelwright, S., Baron-Cohen, S., et al. (2006). Predicting Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) from the Systemizing Quotient-Revised (SQ-R) and Empathy Quotient (EQ). Brain Research, 1079(1), 47-56.
View on PubMedNote: These researchers developed the original assessment instruments. Our platform provides a digital implementation of their publicly available screening tools for educational purposes.
Our Approach
We prioritize scientific accuracy, user privacy, and accessibility in everything we do:
Validated Research
All our assessments are based on peer-reviewed research published in leading academic journals. We use the same validated instruments used by healthcare professionals and researchers worldwide.
View our research sourcesComplete Privacy
Your responses never leave your device. All scoring is calculated locally in your browser. We don't create accounts, track users, or store any personal data. Your privacy isn't just a feature — it's fundamental to our design.
Read our privacy policyAlways Free
Quality mental health resources shouldn't be locked behind paywalls. Our screening tools are completely free — no registration, no premium tiers, no hidden costs. Ever.
Educational Focus
We provide comprehensive explanations of your results, educational resources about autism, and guidance on next steps. Our goal is to inform and empower, not to diagnose.
Explore resourcesContent Standards
We maintain high standards for all content on this platform:
- All assessment content is derived from peer-reviewed, published research
- Educational content is based on authoritative sources including NIMH, CDC, and WHO
- Content is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current research
- Clear distinctions are made between screening tools and diagnostic instruments
- All limitations of screening tools are transparently communicated
Our Commitment
We are committed to serving the autism community with respect and accuracy. We recognize that autism is a neurological difference, not a deficiency. Our platform aims to help people understand themselves better and access appropriate support when desired — not to pathologize or label.
Professional & Research Resources
For more information about autism research and professional support:
Autism Research Centre, Cambridge
The academic institution behind the AQ assessment tools
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Official US government resource on autism spectrum disorder
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Comprehensive autism information and statistics
World Health Organization (WHO)
Global perspective on autism spectrum disorders
Experience Research-Based Screening
Take a free, private assessment based on validated Cambridge research
Start Free AssessmentImportant Disclaimer
Our screening tools are designed for educational and self-reflection purposes only. They are not diagnostic instruments and cannot replace professional evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. Only a trained clinician can provide a formal autism diagnosis after comprehensive assessment.