What is the AQ?

The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a brief, self-administered questionnaire developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues in 2001 to quantify traits associated with autism spectrum conditions. It is commonly used as a screening tool when autism is suspected, offering clinicians support in determining whether a full diagnostic evaluation or referral to a specialist is warranted.

Designed for individuals aged 16 and older with average or above-average intelligence, the AQ is suitable for both clinical and research applications. Because the questionnaire requires basic reading comprehension skills, it may not be appropriate for individuals with significantly below-average cognitive abilities (e.g., IQ below 70).

What It Measures

The AQ consists of 50 items divided evenly across five key domains:

• Social skill

• Attention switching

• Attention to detail

• Communication

• Imagination

Respondents indicate their level of agreement on a 4-point scale, with results automatically scored and interpreted when administered through Creyos Health.

Scoring and Interpretation

The Creyos Health platform scores the AQ and provides clinicians with cutoff guidance based on validation studies. These cutoff values are designed to distinguish individuals with high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome from those in the general population (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001; Woodbury-Smith et al., 2005).

While a higher score indicates a greater number of autistic traits, the AQ is not diagnostic. Rather, it should be used as part of a broader clinical picture to support referrals, guide conversations, and identify the need for further assessment.

How It Relates to Cognition

Autism spectrum conditions often present with distinct cognitive profiles, including strengths in attention to detail and challenges with cognitive flexibility or social cognition. By pairing the AQ with Creyos Health’s cognitive tasks, clinicians can gain further insight into how these traits may influence executive functioning, attention, or social-emotional cognition in day-to-day life.

Together, the AQ and cognitive testing provide a more comprehensive understanding of the individual—supporting better care planning, earlier interventions, and more accurate referrals when needed.

Psychometric Properties

The AQ has been validated in multiple studies and demonstrates good reliability and construct validity. It is widely used in both academic and applied settings for identifying traits associated with autism spectrum disorders.

Clinical Considerations

Interpretation of AQ scores should always involve clinical judgment. While helpful for identifying the extent of autistic traits, the AQ should not be used in isolation for making a diagnosis. As noted by its developers, “the 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” (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001).

The AQ can be added to any custom Creyos Health protocol, making it easy to include in assessments that also measure cognitive function, mental health, and behavior.

To explore all behavioral and cognitive health tools available in the Creyos platform, refer to the Creyos Standardized Questionnaires Guide.