AQ-50

Autism Spectrum Quotient

AutismSelf-reportAges 16+50 statements~10 min

Validated by Baron-Cohen et al. (2001) · View paper

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Jaye Turrietta, PsyD, BCBA-D, AEP

A 50-item self-report measure of autistic traits in adults.

For each statement, select the response that best matches how you feel. Answer based on how things generally are for you.

50 statements · ~10 min · Auto-saved

About the AQ-50

The Autism Spectrum Quotient is a 50-item self-report questionnaire developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge. It measures five trait domains associated with autism: social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination.

Designed for adults (16+) with normal intelligence. Takes about 10–15 minutes to complete.

Scoring

Each item scores 0 or 1 based on whether the response aligns with the autistic direction (some items are reverse-scored). A score of 26 or above indicates the presence of autistic traits; 32 or above is highly consistent with autism. 79.3% of autistic adults score 32+, while only 2% of non-autistic adults exceed the threshold.

Reference scores

Autistic Adults

35.8

Mean score

Non-Autistic Adults

16.4

Mean score

Reliability

The AQ-50 has strong test-retest reliability (r = 0.70) and good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α ≈ 0.82). It has been translated into over 20 languages and validated across multiple cultures.

Important: The AQ-50 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A high score indicates that a fuller clinical evaluation may be worthwhile.

Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E. (2001). The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ): Evidence from Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism, Males and Females, Scientists and Mathematicians. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(1), 5–17.

AQ-50 FAQs

The most common questions about the AQ-50 (Autism Spectrum Quotient).

What is the AQ-50?

The AQ-50 (Autism Spectrum Quotient) is a 50-item statement self-report screener for autistic traits in adults. A 50-item self-report measure of autistic traits in adults across five domains. It was developed by Baron-Cohen et al. (2001).

Who can take the AQ-50?

The AQ-50 is designed for adults age 16 and up to complete themselves.

How long does the AQ-50 take?

Most people complete the AQ-50 in about 10 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the AQ-50 diagnostic?

No. The AQ-50 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It is a validated screener that can suggest whether further evaluation is warranted, but only a licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can make a formal diagnosis. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations via telehealth — a doctoral-level psychologist conducts a comprehensive evaluation, with reports typically delivered within days.

Is the AQ-50 free to take here?

Yes. The AQ-50 is free to take on this page. We don't require a sign-up, and we don't collect or share your responses — your answers are saved locally in your browser. You can also export your results as a PDF for your own records or to share with a clinician.

What does my AQ-50 score mean?

After you complete the AQ-50, you'll see your total score broken into the validated severity / likelihood bands published for this instrument, along with a plain-language interpretation. Specific cutoffs vary by tool — for the AQ-50, the scoring ranges and band descriptions are shown directly on the results page.

What if my AQ-50 score is elevated?

An elevated score on the AQ-50 is one signal — not a diagnosis. The recommended next step is a comprehensive clinical evaluation. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations starting at $950 flat fee with no waitlist; reports are typically delivered within days and include the diagnostic documentation needed for IEPs, ABA prior authorization, and other downstream services.

If your AQ-50 score suggests further evaluation may be warranted, book a comprehensive evaluation with one of our PSYPACT-licensed clinical psychologists. Reports typically delivered within one week.

How the AQ-50 compares to related screeners

The AQ-50 is the original 2001 Baron-Cohen Autism Spectrum Quotient — the foundational adult autism trait measure that subsequent screeners were derived from or compared against.

AQ-50 vs GSQ

The AQ-50 and the GSQ both measure autistic traits in adults at a similar length (50 vs 42 statements). They originated from different research groups (2001 and 2013 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the GSQ →

AQ-50 vs EQ

The AQ-50 and the EQ both measure autistic traits in adults at a similar length (50 vs 60 statements). They originated from different research groups (2001 and 2004 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the EQ →

AQ-50 vs EDA-QA

The AQ-50 is the more comprehensive of the two — 50 statements (~10 min) versus 26 statements (~5 min). Take the EDA-QA when you want a quick triage; take the AQ-50 when you want subscale detail and a more granular picture. Many adults take both: the brief one first, then the comprehensive one if the brief screen is positive.

Take the EDA-QA →

Add this free screener to your site

Educators, clinicians, and organizations are welcome to embed the AQ-50 for free. Copy the snippet below. It keeps a small link back to NeuroClarity.