RAADS-R Autism Assessment
The 80-question Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised is designed specifically for adults who may have been missed by other screenings. Unlike simpler tests, RAADS-R asks about traits throughout your life, making it more sensitive for those who mask.
I am a sympathetic person.
The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) is an 80-question autism screening tool specifically designed for adults. What makes RAADS-R unique is its focus on developmental history - each question asks whether traits are present now, were present in childhood, or both.
Why This Matters: Many autistic adults have developed sophisticated masking strategies that allow them to appear neurotypical on simpler screening tools. The RAADS-R's approach captures lifelong patterns that camouflaging cannot fully hide.
Important: This is a screening tool, NOT a diagnostic instrument. A score of 65 or higher suggests professional autism evaluation may be beneficial. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose autism spectrum disorder.
This comprehensive assessment takes 15-20 minutes and provides detailed results across four domains: language, social relatedness, sensory/motor, and circumscribed interests.
🫙 Why RAADS-R Catches What Others Miss
The RAADS-R was specifically developed to address a critical gap in autism screening: many adults who are autistic score below threshold on tools like the AQ-10 or AQ-50 because they have learned to compensate and mask.
By asking "true now AND when young" vs "true only now," the RAADS-R captures:
Persistent Traits: If something was true throughout your life, this suggests an inherent neurological difference rather than a learned behavior or temporary state.
Masked Traits: If you have learned to hide a trait (like eye contact discomfort), you might answer "true only when young" - but this still counts because the underlying trait exists.
Developed Compensation: Some autistic adults develop skills in adulthood that mask underlying differences. The developmental history approach captures the full picture.
This is why the RAADS-R is often recommended when someone scores below threshold on AQ-10/AQ-50 but strongly identifies with autistic experiences.
Understanding the Four RAADS-R Domains
Language (7 questions): Assesses differences in verbal communication, including tone, volume, social language use, and pragmatic communication. Many autistic adults have learned formal language rules but still experience underlying differences in natural communication patterns.
Social Relatedness (39 questions): The largest domain, covering social understanding, eye contact, reading social cues, preference for routine, and feeling different from others. This domain often shows the highest scores, as social differences are central to autism.
Sensory/Motor (20 questions): Covers sensory processing differences (sound, light, texture, smell sensitivity), motor differences (coordination, repetitive movements), and need for sameness. Sensory differences are now recognized as a core feature of autism.
Circumscribed Interests (14 questions): Assesses intensity of special interests, ability to focus deeply on preferred topics, and the role these interests play in your life. Intense, focused interests are a hallmark of autism.
How the Scoring System Works
Unlike other autism screenings that use agree/disagree, the RAADS-R uses a unique 4-point scale:
"True now and when I was young" (3 points): Indicates a lifelong, persistent trait. This carries the highest weight because lifelong presence suggests an inherent neurological difference.
"True only now, not when young" (2 points): Indicates a trait that developed in adulthood. This still contributes but may reflect learned compensation or life circumstances rather than core autism.
"True only when younger than 16" (1 point): Indicates a trait present in childhood that you have learned to mask or compensate for. This captures traits that effective masking might hide on other tests.
"Never true" (0 points): Indicates the trait has never been present.
Some questions are "reverse-scored" - they describe neurotypical traits, so "never true" scores highest. This prevents response bias and validates attention to the questions.
Interpreting Your Score
0-25: No Significant Autistic Traits Very few autistic adults score in this range. This suggests autism is unlikely, though no screening is 100% accurate.
26-64: Below Threshold Some autistic traits present but below the referral threshold. If you strongly identify with autism, consider additional factors:
- Very effective masking (take the CAT-Q)
- Atypical autism presentation
- Other conditions with overlapping features
65-129: Threshold Exceeded Research shows 65+ has approximately 97% sensitivity for identifying autistic adults. This score indicates professional evaluation is recommended.
130-179: Average Autistic Range The average score for diagnosed autistic adults falls in this range. This strongly suggests autism is present.
180-240: High Range Indicates very high autistic traits across all domains. While not diagnostic, this score range is highly associated with autism.
Important: The RAADS-R has one of the highest sensitivities of any autism screening tool (97%), meaning it very rarely misses autistic adults. However, specificity is lower, meaning some non-autistic individuals may score above threshold due to overlapping conditions.
Why Your Domain Pattern Matters
Beyond your total score, examining which domains score highest can provide valuable insight:
High Social + High Language, Lower Others: Indicates primary differences in social communication - the core diagnostic criterion for autism. This pattern may still meet criteria even with lower sensory/interest scores.
High Sensory/Motor, Moderate Social: Sensory differences are often overlooked but are now a core diagnostic criterion. Strong sensory differences combined with any social communication differences warrant investigation.
High Circumscribed Interests, Variable Others: Intense special interests with some social differences can indicate autism, particularly in those who have found niches where their interests are valued.
Uniformly High Across All Domains: This pattern strongly suggests autism with traits present across all assessed areas.
Domain Patterns and Masking: If your social domain scores high but you function well socially, this may indicate effective masking. The RAADS-R captures the underlying experience even when outward behavior is compensated.
RAADS-R vs Other Autism Screenings
AQ-10 (10 questions): Quick initial screen, best for identifying obvious cases. May miss masked autism.
AQ-50 (50 questions): More comprehensive than AQ-10, provides domain breakdown. Still relies on current self-perception which masking can affect.
CAT-Q (25 questions): Specifically measures camouflaging/masking behaviors. Useful complement to any autism screening.
RAADS-R (80 questions): Most comprehensive, specifically designed for adults who may mask. Developmental approach captures lifelong patterns.
When to use RAADS-R:
- Scored below threshold on AQ-10/AQ-50 but identify with autism
- Suspect you mask or camouflage extensively
- Seeking the most comprehensive self-assessment available
- Late-life autism questioning (40s, 50s, 60s+)
- Female or non-male presentation (historically underdiagnosed)
Recommendation: For most thorough self-assessment, take both RAADS-R and CAT-Q. RAADS-R identifies autism traits; CAT-Q reveals if masking affects your results.
Next Steps Based on Your Score
If your score is below 65: Your results do not suggest autism based on this screening. However, if you strongly identify with autistic experiences:
- Take the CAT-Q to assess masking level
- Consider other conditions with overlapping features (ADHD, social anxiety)
- Discuss specific concerns with a healthcare provider
If your score is 65-129: Your score suggests professional evaluation is recommended:
- Document specific examples of traits from each domain
- Gather developmental history information (ask family if possible)
- Request referral to autism specialist (psychologist or psychiatrist)
- Note: Many areas have long waitlists for adult assessment
If your score is 130+: Your score falls within or above the typical autistic range:
- Professional evaluation is strongly recommended
- Begin researching autism resources and communities
- Consider private assessment if public waitlists are very long
- Connect with autistic self-advocates for support while waiting
For all scores:
- Print or save your results to share with healthcare providers
- The RAADS-R is used by many clinicians as part of formal assessment
- Remember: Only a qualified professional can diagnose autism
Frequently Asked Questions
Research shows the RAADS-R has approximately 97% sensitivity (correctly identifies autistic adults) at the threshold of 65+. This makes it one of the most sensitive autism screening tools available. Specificity is approximately 85%, meaning some non-autistic individuals may score above threshold. The RAADS-R is designed to minimize false negatives - it rarely misses autism.