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AQ-10 Autism Screening

The AQ-10 is a quick 10-question autism screening tool used by healthcare professionals as a first step. A score of 6 or higher suggests a professional evaluation may be beneficial. This is NOT a diagnosis.

⏱️ 2-3 minutes📝 10 questions
Question 1 of 1010% complete

I often notice small sounds when others do not.

The Autism Spectrum Quotient-10 (AQ-10) is a rapid, scientifically validated screening instrument designed to identify neurodivergent traits in adults. Condensed from the full 50-question assessment (AQ-50) by researchers at the Autism Research Centre (University of Cambridge), the AQ-10 retains high predictive validity while being short enough for quick clinical use. It is currently recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the primary "first-step" filter for general practitioners in the UK.

Unlike broad personality tests, the AQ-10 specifically targets five key domains of the autistic experience: social skill, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination. While a high score is a strong indicator of autistic traits, it is critical to understand that this tool serves as a screener for referral, not a standalone medical diagnosis.

Understanding Results

Interpreting your AQ-10 score requires understanding the threshold of "Clinical Significance." The AQ-10 was calibrated to minimize "false negatives," meaning it is designed to catch as many potential cases as possible.

The "Red Flag" Threshold: 6/10 In clinical settings, a score of 6 is the "cutoff." This does not mean a person with a score of 5 is definitely not autistic, nor that a 7 is definitely autistic. It simply means that at a score of 6, the density of reported traits is high enough that a specialist assessment is statistically warranted.

The Five Domains Measured

Attention to Detail: Do you notice patterns, sounds, or numbers that others ignore?

Attention Switching: Do you struggle to change tasks or get "stuck" on activities?

Social Skill: Is navigating social situations intuitive or a calculated effort?

Communication: Do you tend to take things literally or miss "unspoken" cues?

Imagination: Is it difficult to visualize others' intentions or hypothetical scenarios?

AQ-10 Scoring Categories

<table class="w-full border-collapse my-4"> <thead> <tr class="bg-gray-100"> <th class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2 text-left font-semibold">Category</th> <th class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2 text-left font-semibold">Score Range</th> <th class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2 text-left font-semibold">Detailed Description</th> <th class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2 text-left font-semibold">:---</th> <th class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2 text-left font-semibold">:---</th> <th class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2 text-left font-semibold">:---</th> <th class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2 text-left font-semibold">Low / Neurotypical</th> <th class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2 text-left font-semibold">0 - 3</th> <th class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2 text-left font-semibold">Few Autistic Traits Indicated.</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2">Most individuals in this range do not meet the criteria for autism. However, if you feel you are &quot;faking&quot; your answers to appear normal, you may be masking (see Tips).</td> <td class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2">Borderline / Average</td> <td class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2">4 - 5</td> <td class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2">Some Autistic Traits Present.</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2">This range is common in the general population (the &quot;Broad Autism Phenotype&quot;) but can also include autistic people with high support needs who mask heavily.</td> <td class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2">High / Clinical</td> <td class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2">6 - 10</td> <td class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2">Significant Autistic Traits.</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2">Scores in this range are strongly associated with autism. Current NICE guidelines suggest that anyone scoring 6+ should be considered for a full diagnostic assessment.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
Nina Bao
Written byNina Bao• Content Writer
Updated January 9, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The AQ-10 measures the number of traits, not the severity of challenges or support needs. A person with a score of 10 might have low support needs, while someone with a score of 6 might have high support needs.

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