What the AQ-50 explores
The questionnaire covers social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication and imagination. It describes a pattern of self-reported traits rather than establishing a diagnosis.
AQ-50 Autism Spectrum Quotient
Comprehensive 50-question autism assessment for adults
Comprehensive autism assessment with 50 questions across 5 key areas. Developed by Cambridge researchers. 10 minutes, private, instant detailed results.
Test Information
Questions
50 questions
Duration
Approximately 10 minutes
Source
Baron-Cohen et al., 2001
Version
v1.0 (Updated: 2026-08-16)
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How to understand the AQ-50 result
The AQ-50 is a self-report measure of autism-associated traits. It can help organize reflection, but no AQ-50 score can confirm or rule out autism by itself.
Who the result applies to
The original study compared selected groups of adults with and without a previous autism-related diagnosis. Individual results can also be influenced by question interpretation, coping or masking strategies, co-occurring conditions, language and cultural context.
How to interpret a score
A higher score means more items were answered in the keyed direction. A study threshold is not the probability of being autistic and should not be used alone to confirm or exclude autism; predictive performance varies across settings and populations.
A useful next step
Consider the result alongside examples from daily life, developmental history and current support needs. If persistent differences affect relationships, work, education or wellbeing, a qualified professional can consider this information as one part of a broader assessment.
Research sources and limitations
These studies examine the AQ in specific research or clinical populations. They do not validate this exact online version or its Spanish translation as a diagnostic test.
- Original AQ development study
Baron-Cohen S, Wheelwright S, Skinner R, Martin J, Clubley E. (2001). The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(1), 5–17. DOI: 10.1023/A:1005653411471.
- Adult diagnostic referral study
Ashwood KL et al. (2016). Predicting the diagnosis of autism in adults using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient questionnaire. Psychological Medicine, 46(12), 2595–2604. DOI: 10.1017/S0033291716001082.
In this referral sample, self-report AQ scores had limited ability to predict who received a clinical diagnosis.
- Adult outpatient clinic comparison
Conner CM, Cramer RD, McGonigle JJ. (2019). Examining the Diagnostic Validity of Autism Measures Among Adults in an Outpatient Clinic Sample. Autism in Adulthood, 1(1), 60–68. DOI: 10.1089/aut.2018.0023.
This clinic study found that AQ performance was sample-dependent and supported using multiple sources of assessment information.
Important Notice
This screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument. A score of 32 or higher suggests possible autism spectrum traits and warrants further evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Only a trained clinician can provide an official autism spectrum diagnosis. This tool should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AQ-50?
The AQ-50 is a comprehensive screening tool developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at Cambridge. It measures autistic traits across 5 key areas — social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination.
How accurate is this test?
The AQ-50 has been validated in research studies and shows good reliability. However, it's a screening tool — not a diagnostic test. A score of 32+ suggests you may benefit from a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist.
What does my score mean?
Scores range from 0 to 50. Most neurotypical adults score below 26. Scores of 26-31 are borderline. Scores of 32+ suggest possible autistic traits and indicate that further evaluation may be helpful. However, screening tools can miss people who mask their traits.
What are the subscales?
The AQ-50 measures 5 areas: social skills, attention switching (flexibility), attention to detail, communication, and imagination. Your subscale scores show which areas you find more or less challenging.
Can this test diagnose autism?
No — this is a screening tool only. An official diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in autism.
Is my data private?
Your answers and scores are processed and stored locally in your browser and are not sent to our servers, GA4, or Umami. We use GA4 and Umami for limited site-usage analytics, including page visits and anonymous test start or completion events; these events do not contain answers or scores. You can remove saved progress and results by clearing this site's browser data.
Can I retake the test?
Yes, you can retake it anytime. However, for the most accurate results, try to answer honestly based on your typical experiences — not how you wish to be or think you should answer.
Can I share my results with my doctor?
Absolutely! You can print or screenshot your results to share with your healthcare provider. Your subscale scores can be particularly helpful for specialists.
Understand your next steps
Compare screening options, understand their limits, and find trustworthy next-step resources.