AQ-10
Autism Spectrum Quotient (10-item)
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (10-item) (AQ-10) is a 10-item autism assessment for adults. It typically takes about 3 minutes to complete, producing a total score from 0 to 10 where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
10
3 min
adult
0–10
About the AQ-10
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (10-item) (AQ-10) is a 10-item autism assessment for adults. It typically takes about 3 minutes to complete, producing a total score from 0 to 10 where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
First published in 2012 by Allison C, Auyeung B, Baron-Cohen S, the AQ-10 is free to use for clinical and research purposes with attribution. With Psyche Assess you can send the AQ-10 to clients online, score it automatically, and generate a clinician-ready report in seconds.
AQ-10 questions
- 1
I often notice small sounds when others do not.
Definitely agree · Slightly agree · Slightly disagree · Definitely disagree - 2
I usually concentrate more on the whole picture, rather than the small details.
Definitely agree · Slightly agree · Slightly disagree · Definitely disagree - 3
I find it easy to do more than one thing at once.
Definitely agree · Slightly agree · Slightly disagree · Definitely disagree - 4
If there is an interruption, I can switch back to what I was doing very quickly.
Definitely agree · Slightly agree · Slightly disagree · Definitely disagree - 5
I find it easy to “read between the lines” when someone is talking to me.
Definitely agree · Slightly agree · Slightly disagree · Definitely disagree - 6
I know how to tell if someone listening to me is getting bored.
Definitely agree · Slightly agree · Slightly disagree · Definitely disagree - 7
When I am reading a story I find it difficult to work out the characters’ intentions.
Definitely agree · Slightly agree · Slightly disagree · Definitely disagree - 8
I like to collect information about categories of things (e.g. types of car, bird, train, plant, etc.).
Definitely agree · Slightly agree · Slightly disagree · Definitely disagree - 9
I find it easy to work out what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face.
Definitely agree · Slightly agree · Slightly disagree · Definitely disagree - 10
I find it difficult to work out people’s intentions.
Definitely agree · Slightly agree · Slightly disagree · Definitely disagree
Items reproduced from a documented, freely usable source. Item wording is preserved exactly as published.
Scoring & interpretation
| Range | Band | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 | Below threshold | Below the screening cutoff (6). |
| 6–10 | Refer for assessment | Score ≥6 — refer for comprehensive autism assessment. |
Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Frequently asked questions
How many items does the AQ-10 have?
The AQ-10 has 10 items and takes about 3 minutes to complete.
How is the AQ-10 scored?
Item responses are summed for a total score from 0 to 10, where higher scores indicate greater severity. Totals fall into the interpretive bands shown above.
Is the AQ-10 free to use?
The AQ-10 is free to use for clinical and research purposes provided the authors are credited and the item wording is not altered.
Who is the AQ-10 for?
The AQ-10 is designed for adult and is used by clinicians, researchers, and integrated-care teams.
Source & references
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