SQ-R

Systemizing Quotient — Revised

AutismSelf-reportAges 16+75 statements~15 min

Validated by Wheelwright et al. (2006) · View paper

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

A 75-item self-report measure of systemizing tendency.

For each statement, select the response that best matches how you feel. Strong responses (Strongly Agree or Strongly Disagree) count more heavily than slight ones.

75 statements · ~15 min · Auto-saved

About the SQ-R

The Systemizing Quotient — Revised measures the drive to analyse, construct, and predict rule-based systems. Systemizing is one pole of the “empathizing–systemizing” framework developed by Baron-Cohen and colleagues. Autistic individuals tend to score higher than average, reflecting a strong drive toward pattern detection and rule extraction.

75 items. Designed for adults. Takes about 15–20 minutes.

Scoring

Each item scores 0, 1, or 2 depending on the strength and direction of the response. “Forward” items score for agreement (Strongly Agree = 2, Slightly Agree = 1); “reverse” items score for disagreement. The total range is 0–150 and a score above 75 suggests a high systemizing drive.

Important: The SQ-R measures systemizing tendency, not ability or intelligence. A high score indicates a strong interest in systems and patterns. It is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.

Wheelwright, S., Baron-Cohen, S., Goldenfeld, N., Delaney, J., Fine, D., Smith, R., Weil, L., & Wakabayashi, A. (2006). Predicting Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) from the Systemizing Quotient-Revised (SQ-R) and Empathy Quotient (EQ). Brain Research, 1079(1), 47–56.

SQ-R FAQs

The most common questions about the SQ-R (Systemizing Quotient — Revised).

What is the SQ-R?

The SQ-R (Systemizing Quotient — Revised) is a 75-item statement self-report screener for systemizing tendency. A 75-item self-report measure of systemizing tendency — the drive to analyze and construct systems. It was developed by Wheelwright et al. (2006).

Who can take the SQ-R?

The SQ-R is designed for adults age 16 and up to complete themselves.

How long does the SQ-R take?

Most people complete the SQ-R in about 15 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the SQ-R diagnostic?

No. The SQ-R is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It is a research-grade measure 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 SQ-R free to take here?

Yes. The SQ-R 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 SQ-R score mean?

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

What if my SQ-R score is elevated?

An elevated score on the SQ-R 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 SQ-R 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 SQ-R compares to related screeners

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

SQ-R vs RAADS-R

The SQ-R and the RAADS-R both measure systemizing tendency at a similar length (75 vs 80 statements). They originated from different research groups (2006 and 2011 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 RAADS-R →

SQ-R vs EQ

The SQ-R and the EQ both measure systemizing tendency at a similar length (75 vs 60 statements). They originated from different research groups (2006 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 →

SQ-R vs AQ-50

The SQ-R is the more comprehensive of the two — 75 statements (~15 min) versus 50 statements (~10 min). Take the AQ-50 when you want a quick triage; take the SQ-R 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 AQ-50 →

Add this free screener to your site

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