The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a clinical psychology test that measures autistic traits. It consists of 50 statements that assess behaviors affected by autism, and scoring is based on agreement or disagreement with these statements. While not a diagnostic tool, it can be used as a screening device, and those with autism tend to score higher. The questionnaire is intended for adults, but longer versions have been developed for children and adolescents.
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is one of several clinical psychology tests that study autistic traits. Simon Baron-Cohen, along with other researchers at the Autism Research Center in Cambridge, England, published the questionnaire in 2001 to gather information about autism as a spectrum disorder. The test consists of 50 statements aimed at shedding light on the behaviors most affected by autism. Most adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder score above 30 on the test, and those who don’t typically score below 20. The questionnaire is not designed to be a diagnostic tool.
The 50 Autism Spectrum Quotient Statements address several areas. Poor social and communication skills are typically evident in adults who have autism spectrum disorders, and many claims are about spending time with others, understanding people’s motivations, and making friends. Other claims are about attention to detail and a love of routine. For each question, the candidate must select ‘strongly agree’, ‘slightly agree’, ‘slightly disagree’ or ‘strongly disagree’.
Scoring the Autism Spectrum Quotient is very simple. One point is awarded for “strongly agree” or “slightly agree” with any statement that a person with autism would likely agree. Then a point is awarded for any responses that “strongly disagree” or “slightly disagree” about other statements that a person with autism would usually disagree with. During the first phase of testing, women without a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder scored an average of 15, while men scored an average of 17. Those diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or high-functioning autism scored about 35.
Next, the autism spectrum quotient was used to analyze college math students to see if they scored higher than the control group. In fact, math majors averaged 21.8, more than five points above the average. People who have autism spectrum disorders tend to be drawn to fields of math and science more than others, perhaps due to the rigid routine that can be expected in such a field.
The questionnaire is not a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, although many adults use it for self-diagnosis. Numbers are intended as averages and are for comparison purposes only. Autism is a spectrum disorder, so some people have some of the symptoms but have no difficulty functioning. Sometimes those with high functioning autism don’t even have the problem of getting a diagnosis. Others will find that these same symptoms cause them immense problems, because they are on the opposite end of the spectrum.
While the test isn’t meant to diagnose autism, some doctors use it as a screening device. For example, if someone scores below 25, the doctor can rule out autism. Also, the original Autism Spectrum Quotient was designed for adults. In 2006 and 2007, longer versions were developed for the assessment of children and adolescents.
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