AQ-10 Screening
Autism test for adults
This is the AQ-10, the brief autism-spectrum screening recommended by the UK's NICE guidelines for adults. It flags whether a fuller assessment is worth seeking — it is not a diagnosis, and many autistic adults score differently than expected.
How much do you agree with each statement?
AQ-10 Your result
Your AQ-10 score
0 / 10
What this means
Sensible next steps
Curious how reliable it is? See how accurate the AQ-10 is.
By the numbers Context
How common is autism?
Understanding of autism has widened dramatically. The CDC now identifies autism in about 1 in 36 eight-year-olds — up from 1 in 150 two decades ago — a rise driven largely by broader criteria and better recognition rather than a true explosion in cases. Around 2.2% of U.S. adults are estimated to be autistic, and many of them, especially women, reach adulthood undiagnosed after years of masking their traits.
The AQ-10 is a ten-question distillation of the longer Autism Spectrum Quotient, recommended by NICE as a quick way to decide whether a full assessment is warranted. It is a referral aid, not a diagnosis — a short screen inevitably misses nuance, and many autistic adults score in unexpected ranges.
1 in 36
U.S. children identified with autism
CDC, 2020
≈2.2%
estimated prevalence in U.S. adults
CDC
≈88%
sensitivity of the AQ-10 as a referral screen
Allison, 2012
Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ADDM Network; Allison, Auyeung & Baron-Cohen, J. Am. Acad. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2012.
Score guide Interpretation
What your AQ-10 score means
| Score | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| 0–5 | Below the referral threshold |
| 6–10 | A specialist assessment is worth considering |
Frequently asked questions
Is the AQ-10 autism test accurate?
The AQ-10 is a NICE-recommended screen with good sensitivity as a referral aid — it catches most people who warrant a fuller look. But it was designed to flag who should be assessed, not to diagnose, and brief screens miss nuance.
What AQ-10 score suggests autism?
A score of 6 or more out of 10 is the point at which NICE suggests considering a referral for a full autism assessment. A lower score does not rule autism out, especially if you strongly recognise yourself.
What are the signs of autism in adults?
Signs include finding social interaction effortful or draining, taking things literally, sensory sensitivities to noise, light, or texture, a strong need for routine, deep focused interests, and — very commonly — masking, where you consciously copy others to fit in. No single trait defines autism; it is the overall pattern, present since childhood.
Can an online test diagnose autism?
No. Only a specialist assessment can diagnose autism. An online screen like the AQ-10 can only indicate whether seeking that assessment is worthwhile.
Why is autism missed in women?
Autistic women more often mask their traits — studying and copying social behaviour — and internalise distress as anxiety or depression, so autism is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed for years.
Is this autism test for adults or children?
The AQ-10 version used here is validated for adults. Assessing autism in children uses different tools and should involve a specialist.
Is the autism test free and private?
Yes — free, no sign-up, and scored entirely in your browser with nothing sent anywhere.