ASSQ

Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire

AutismParent-reportAges 6–1727 statements~5 min

Validated by Ehlers, Gillberg & Wing (1999) · View paper

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

A 27-item parent/teacher-report screener for autism features in children aged 6–17.

Rate each statement based on how this child compares to other children of the same age. Answer based on your observations over the past 6 months.

27 statements · ~5 min · Auto-saved

About the ASSQ

The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire was developed by Ehlers, Gillberg, and Wing (1999) to identify children and adolescents aged 6–17 who show features consistent with high-functioning autism. It covers social interaction, communication, restricted interests, and motor coordination.

27 items rated by a parent or teacher. Takes about 5–10 minutes. Each item is rated No (0), Somewhat (1), or Yes (2).

Scoring

The total range is 0–54. A score of 11 or above is moderately consistent with autism; 19 or above is strongly consistent. Recommended cut-offs vary by country: in Sweden, 15 is used for non-clinical populations and 19 for clinical populations.

Important: The ASSQ is a screening tool completed by an observer (parent or teacher), not by the child. It is not a diagnostic instrument. A qualified clinician should interpret results in context.

Ehlers, S., Gillberg, C., & Wing, L. (1999). A screening questionnaire for Asperger syndrome and other high-functioning autism spectrum disorders in school age children. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 29(2), 129–141.

ASSQ FAQs

The most common questions about the ASSQ (Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire).

What is the ASSQ?

The ASSQ (Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire) is a 27-item statement parent-report screener for autism in school-aged children and adolescents. A parent/teacher-report screener for autism features in children aged 6–17. Useful for identifying high-functioning autism / Asperger profiles. It was developed by Ehlers, Gillberg & Wing (1999).

Who can take the ASSQ?

The ASSQ is designed to be completed by parents and teachers of children aged 6–17.

How long does the ASSQ take?

Most people complete the ASSQ in about 5 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the ASSQ diagnostic?

No. The ASSQ 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 comprehensive pediatric autism and ADHD evaluations via telehealth — a doctoral-level psychologist conducts a comprehensive evaluation, with reports typically delivered within days.

Is the ASSQ free to take here?

Yes. The ASSQ 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 ASSQ score mean?

After you complete the ASSQ, 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 ASSQ, the scoring ranges and band descriptions are shown directly on the results page.

What if my ASSQ score is elevated?

An elevated score on the ASSQ is one signal — not a diagnosis. The recommended next step is a comprehensive clinical evaluation. NeuroClarity offers comprehensive pediatric 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 ASSQ 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 ASSQ compares to related screeners

Most autism screeners measure similar constructs but vary in length, target audience, and emphasis. Here's how the ASSQ relates to the most commonly-paired alternatives.

ASSQ vs CAST

The ASSQ and the CAST both measure autism in school-aged children and adolescents at a similar length (27 vs 39 statements). They originated from different research groups (1999 and 2002 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 CAST →

ASSQ vs CAT-Q

The ASSQ is a parent-report instrument (the parents and teachers of children aged 6–17 answer the items directly), while the CAT-Q is a self-report — completed by the person being assessed. Choose based on who can give the most accurate picture of the autism in school-aged children and adolescents.

Take the CAT-Q →

ASSQ vs RBQ-2A

The ASSQ is a parent-report instrument (the parents and teachers of children aged 6–17 answer the items directly), while the RBQ-2A is a self-report — completed by the person being assessed. Choose based on who can give the most accurate picture of the autism in school-aged children and adolescents.

Take the RBQ-2A →

Add this free screener to your site

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