What is the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and how does it work?

The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire was created by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues in 2001 to address shortcomings in existing instruments for quantifying autistic traits. It is short, self-administered, and suitable for both research and clinical usage. The AQ is particularly valuable as a screening tool when autism is suspected, to assist in the decision to administer a full diagnostic assessment or refer to a specialist.

The scale is designed for young adults and adults ages 16 and up with normal intelligence, to measure traits associated with the autism spectrum, including Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. The instrument is likely not appropriate for individuals with low IQ (e.g., below 70 on IQ tests or standard scores like the ones provided in Creyos Health cognitive reports), because it assumes reading comprehension skills.

Fifty questions make up the AQ, with ten questions within each of five domains: social skill, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination. Patient indicate their agreement with each item on a 4-point scale:

The Creyos Health version of the AQ automatically tallies the results and provides guidance on cutoff scores that maximize distinction between individuals diagnosed with high-functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome and individuals from the general population:

The AQ and the scoring guidelines have been validated in both research and clinical settings (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001; Woodbury-Smith et al., 2005).

Note that clinical judgment should always be used when interpreting an individual’s AQ scores. Baron-Cohen et al. (2001) also noted: “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.”