About the AQ-10 Autism Screening
This free autism test uses the AQ-10 (Autism Spectrum Quotient — 10 items), a brief screening tool developed by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge. It is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as a first-stage screening for autism in adults.
- 10 questions about your social and communication preferences
- Takes under 2 minutes to complete
- Score of 6 or above suggests autism traits that may warrant further assessment
- No sign-up required — your answers stay in your browser
This is a screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis. A high score suggests you may benefit from a comprehensive autism assessment with a qualified professional.
Am I Autistic?
Free Quick Autism Screening Test
The AQ-10 is a quick 10-question screener developed by researchers at Cambridge University to help identify autism traits in adults.
The AQ-10 is designed for adults who want a quick indication of whether further autism assessment might be helpful. It takes about 3 minutes to complete.
Note: Autism often presents differently in women and gender-diverse people. Our longer GQ-ASC screening is specifically designed to detect traits often missed in women.
Important: This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can diagnose autism.
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What Is the AQ-10 Autism Screening Test?
The Autism Spectrum Quotient-10 (AQ-10) is a brief screening tool developed by the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University. It distils the full 50-item Autism Quotient into 10 carefully selected questions that cover five key areas: social skills, attention switching, communication, imagination, and attention to detail. Published research shows the AQ-10 has 88% sensitivity and 91% specificity at a threshold score of 6, making it one of the most reliable quick screeners available.
Who Should Take This Test?
This free autism test is designed for adults who suspect they may be on the autism spectrum. Many people pursue screening after recognising lifelong patterns — difficulty reading social cues, preference for routines, sensory sensitivities, or feeling "different" without knowing why. Late diagnosis is increasingly common: research suggests that many autistic adults, particularly women and gender-diverse people, are not identified until their 30s, 40s, or later. If this resonates, the AQ-10 can help clarify whether a full assessment might be worthwhile.
What Happens After the Screening?
After completing the 10 questions, you will receive an instant score with a clear explanation of what it means. A score of 6 or above suggests autistic traits that warrant further professional assessment. You can download or email your results to share with a psychologist or GP. Remember, no online quiz can diagnose autism — only a qualified clinician can make a formal diagnosis through comprehensive assessment.
AQ-10 vs Full Autism Assessment
The AQ-10 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic assessment. A full autism assessment typically involves a detailed clinical interview, developmental history, and standardised assessment tools administered by a psychologist or psychiatrist. The AQ-10 helps you decide whether pursuing that more thorough process is appropriate. Many clinicians use the AQ-10 as a first step before recommending comprehensive evaluation.
AQ-10 for Clinicians: Pre-Assessment Screening
The AQ-10 is commonly used as a first-step screener before referring clients for comprehensive autism assessment. Administering it through ClientForms gives you an auto-scored result with a clear threshold indicator, which you can include in referral documentation. Many clinicians pair it with the full AQ-50 or GQ-ASC for a more complete picture. Try it free.