RBQ-2A

Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2

AutismSelf-reportAges 16+20 questions~4 min

Validated by Barrett et al. (2015) · View paper

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

A 20-item self-report measure of repetitive behaviours and restricted interests.

For each question, select the response that best describes you. Response options vary between questions.

20 questions · ~4 min · Auto-saved

About the RBQ-2A

The Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2 measures restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs) — a core diagnostic feature of autism. It covers motor stereotypies (e.g. rocking, hand-flapping), insistence on sameness, and circumscribed interests.

20 items with variable response options (some frequency-based, some severity-based). Takes about 5 minutes.

Scoring

Each item scores 1–3 points based on the selected option. The total range is 20–60. A score of 26 or above suggests elevated repetitive behaviours consistent with autism. The mean for autistic adults is 36; non-autistic adults average 25.

Important: Repetitive behaviours occur on a spectrum and are not exclusive to autism. Many people engage in some repetitive behaviours without clinical significance.

Barrett, S. L., Uljarevi&cacute;, M., Baker, E. K., Richdale, A. L., Jones, C. R. G., & Leekam, S. R. (2015). The Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A): A self-report measure of restricted and repetitive behaviours. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45, 3680–3692.

RBQ-2A FAQs

The most common questions about the RBQ-2A (Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire — 2).

What is the RBQ-2A?

The RBQ-2A (Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire — 2) is a 20-item question self-report screener for repetitive behaviours and restricted interests in adults. A 20-item measure of repetitive behaviours and restricted interests in adults. It was developed by Barrett et al. (2015).

Who can take the RBQ-2A?

The RBQ-2A is designed for adults age 16 and up to complete themselves.

How long does the RBQ-2A take?

Most people complete the RBQ-2A in about 4 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the RBQ-2A diagnostic?

No. The RBQ-2A 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 RBQ-2A free to take here?

Yes. The RBQ-2A 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 RBQ-2A score mean?

After you complete the RBQ-2A, 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 RBQ-2A, the scoring ranges and band descriptions are shown directly on the results page.

What if my RBQ-2A score is elevated?

An elevated score on the RBQ-2A 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 RBQ-2A 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 RBQ-2A compares to related screeners

Most autism screeners measure similar constructs but vary in length, target audience, and emphasis. Here's how the RBQ-2A relates to the most commonly-paired alternatives.

RBQ-2A vs TEQ

The RBQ-2A and the TEQ both measure repetitive behaviours and restricted interests in adults at a similar length (20 vs 16 questions). They originated from different research groups (2015 and 2009 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 TEQ →

RBQ-2A vs CAT-Q

The RBQ-2A and the CAT-Q both measure repetitive behaviours and restricted interests in adults at a similar length (20 vs 25 questions). They originated from different research groups (2015 and 2019 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 CAT-Q →

RBQ-2A vs EDA-QA

The RBQ-2A and the EDA-QA both measure repetitive behaviours and restricted interests in adults at a similar length (20 vs 26 questions). They originated from different research groups (2015 and 2019 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 EDA-QA →

Add this free screener to your site

Educators, clinicians, and organizations are welcome to embed the RBQ-2A for free. Copy the snippet below. It keeps a small link back to NeuroClarity.