Start delivering measurement based mental health care
Conduct psychological assessments remotely, get scores automatically, and maintain clinical records securely
Create account
The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is self-assessment screening instrument for measuring the degree to which an adult with normal intelligence has the traits associated with the autistic spectrum. The AQ is a valuable instrument for rapidly quantifying where any given individual is situated on the continuum from autism to normality.
You can create a free account on PsyPack to access fillable PDFs, manuals and educational resources for the AQ
PsyPack can automatically score the AQ assessment and prepare corresponding tables and graphs.
Asperger Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders
The purpose of the evaluation is to:
Self-administered
Clinical
Questionnaire
16 years and above
About 15 minutes
Since the questionnaire relies on client self-report, all responses should be verified by the clinician, and a definitive diagnosis is made on clinical grounds taking into account how well the client understood the questionnaire, as well as other relevant information from the client.
The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is not diagnostic, but may serve as a useful instrument in identifying the extent of autistic traits shown by an adult of normal intelligence. A score of 32+ appears to be a useful cut-off for distinguishing individuals who have clinically significant levels of autistic traits. Such a high score on the AQ however does not mean an individual has Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA), since a diagnosis is only merited if the individual is suffering a clinical level of distress as a result of their autistic traits.
A limitation of this instrument is that it may not be appropriate for patients with low IQ, since the AQ assumes reading comprehension skills.
Baron-Cohen S, Wheelwright S, Skinner R, Martin J, Clubley E. The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ): evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians. J Autism Dev Disord. 2001 Feb;31(1):5-17. doi: 10.1023/a:1005653411471. Erratum in: J Autism Dev Disord 2001 Dec;31(6):603. PMID: 11439754.