Online autism screening tests: preliminary self-assessment
Use our online autism screening test to identify whether you or your child may benefit from a diagnostic assessment for autism.
We offer a free online screening test for autism, known as the autism spectrum quotient (AQ-10). It's a user-friendly questionnaire that indicates whether you/your child might benefit from receiving a full diagnostic assessment for autism. This can be a useful step if you’re not sure whether you/your child might be showing autistic traits, or if you just want some confirmation of the traits you’ve observed.
You can fill in the AQ-10 on behalf of yourself or a child/young person. It's quick to complete, and you'll get your results immediately.
The AQ-10 was developed by The Autism Research Centre at The University of Cambridge, and it is recommended to be used as an autism screening tool by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The AQ-10 is a self-report questionnaire and has three different versions:
The test contains 10 statements and you’ll be asked to rate the extent to which you agree with each of the statements, using a 4-point rating scale.
Once you’ve rated each of the statements, these will be automatically scored and you’ll receive some information on what the results mean.
To access and complete the AQ-10, follow these simple steps:
Once you’ve completed the AQ-10, you’ll be given a score between 0 and 10.
Here’s a breakdown of what these scores suggest, for adults, children and adolescents:
Score | What does this suggest? |
Below 6 | You/your child are showing little to no autistic tendencies. |
Above 6 | You/your child may be experiencing some of the common signs and characteristics of autism. |
It’s important to understand that a score of below 6 doesn’t mean that the person definitely isn’t autistic; it just means they’re not currently showing any of the core signs of autism.
On the other hand, a score of above 6 doesn’t equal a diagnosis of autism; it just indicates that this could be a possibility for the person and they might benefit from further assessment.
While screening tests like the AQ-10 can provide valuable insights, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. It's important to interpret these results within the broader context of a person’s history, experiences and additional assessments. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, and a comprehensive evaluation takes into account lots of different factors to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate support - Debbie Longsdale, Therapy Director
Little to no autistic tendencies | Autistic tendencies present |
If the AQ-10 suggests you or your child are showing very few autistic tendencies, there’s nothing immediate that you’ll be advised to do. However, it’s a good idea to continue monitoring the signs or traits that prompted you to take the AQ-10 in the first place and if you begin to notice problems in your day-to-day life, you could consider going to see your GP or getting a private autism assessment. | If the AQ-10 suggests you or your child are experiencing some of the common signs and characteristics of autism, you’ll be advised to book our private autism assessment. This can lead to a formal diagnosis and options for further support, if this is something you or your child would benefit from. |
For more information on this process, please visit our dedicated autism assessments page.
As well as reaching out for a specialist autism assessment, there are a number of charities and organisations throughout the UK that can provide support for autistic adults and young people.
Organisation | Website | Contact information |
National Autistic Society | ||
Ambitious About Autism | Ambitious about Autism | National charity for autistic children and young people |
These organisations offer a wealth of knowledge and understanding about autism, and can connect people and families with any additional support they need to navigate their autism journey effectively.
While online autism tests like the AQ-10 can provide valuable insights into potential signs of autism, it's important to recognise their limitations. Here are some factors to consider:
However, while the AQ-10 does have the above limitations, it’s also grounded in lots of research on the characteristics and behaviours commonly seen in autistic people. Therefore, this concise and accessible tool allows for efficient screening and identification of people who may benefit from further assessment and support.
Online autism tests can serve as valuable tools for raising awareness and prompting people to get a further evaluation. However, it’s also necessary to get a comprehensive assessment, conducted by qualified professionals, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of autism. The AQ-10 can provide a starting point for discussion with healthcare providers, but it shouldn’t replace the expertise and clinical judgement of trained professionals - Debbie Longsdale, Therapy Director
Discover some frequently asked questions
If your results on the AQ-10 suggest that you or your child may be showing the signs of autism, it’s important to remember that this is simply a preliminary screening tool and not a diagnostic instrument. While a positive result may indicate that you or your child have some of the traits associated with autism, it doesn’t provide a definitive diagnosis.
However, a positive result could suggest that you or your child would benefit from a further evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
Research studies have shown promising results regarding the validity and reliability of the AQ-10 (source). However, while the AQ-10 can accurately identify people who may have characteristics commonly observed in autism, it’s not a diagnostic tool.
If you're considering an autism assessment, there are several avenues you can explore to find a qualified healthcare professional:
We are able to offer fast access private autism assessments and diagnosis to those who are showing signs of autism.
We support people with autism throughout the country, meaning that you can access the assessment and support you need in a convenient location. We have hospitals and wellbeing centres offering support in the North East, South West and South East. To find your nearest assessment centre, please search below.