AQ-10 and AQ-50 scores explained: what 6, 26 and 32 mean

AQ-10: what a score of 6 or more means

The AQ-10 is a 10-question short form, so the total runs from 0 to 10. Its authors used 6 or more as the point where a fuller assessment is worth considering. The UK NICE guideline for adults suggests the AQ-10 as a brief screen before deciding on a comprehensive assessment.

Because it is short, the AQ-10 is quick but coarse. A single answer can move you across the reference point. If you score 5 or 6, or your score feels at odds with your experience, the AQ-50 or the RAADS-R gives a more detailed picture.

• 0 to 5: below the AQ-10 reference point. This does not rule autism out, especially if you mask your traits.
• 6 to 10: at or above the reference point. It is reasonable to look into an adult autism assessment and to bring examples from daily life.

Sources: [3] · [4]

AQ-50: why both 26 and 32 are quoted

The AQ-50 total runs from 0 to 50. In the original 2001 study, the comparison group averaged about 16, while autistic adults averaged about 35, and most of them scored 32 or more. That is where the often-quoted 32 comes from.

A later study looked at adults referred to a diagnostic clinic. In that real clinical setting, 26 worked better as a screening point: it missed fewer people who went on to be diagnosed, at the cost of more people above the line who were not. That is why you will see 26 described as the screening threshold and 32 as the research reference.

This site shows three ranges so that you can see both reference points rather than a single pass or fail.

• 0 to 25: below both reference points.
• 26 to 31: between the clinical screening point and the original research reference. Often called borderline; your examples matter more than the exact number here.
• 32 to 50: at or above the original research reference.

Sources: [1] · [2]

Reading the five AQ-50 areas

The AQ-50 was built from five groups of 10 questions: social skill, attention switching, attention to detail, communication and imagination. Each area can therefore contribute up to 10 points.

Look at which areas carried most of your total. A high attention-to-detail score on its own describes a common way of thinking that many non-autistic people share. A pattern spread across social skill, communication and attention switching is closer to what clinicians ask about. The areas help you choose which examples to write down; they were not designed as separate diagnostic scores.

Sources: [1]

What an AQ score cannot tell you

The AQ measures self-reported traits. It does not measure severity, support needs or the chance that you are autistic. Some groups tend to score differently: people who camouflage their traits may score lower, while social anxiety, depression or ADHD can raise scores.

If masking is part of your story, consider also taking the CAT-Q, which measures camouflaging rather than traits.

Sources: [2] · [4]

What to do with your result

Write down your total, the date and two or three everyday situations that came to mind while answering. Include something from childhood if you can. Bring these notes if you ask your doctor about an adult autism assessment.

Whatever your score, a result online is a screening step, not a diagnosis. If your concerns continue, they are a valid reason to seek a professional opinion.

Test and date: AQ-50, total __ / 50 (or AQ-10, __ / 10).
Areas with most points: __.
Example from daily life: what happened, what was hard, what helped.
Example from childhood (if known): __.