othermind
Autism screening test

The AQ-10 autism test

A short, recognised screening tool that asks about your everyday experiences. A score of 6 or more points to autistic traits worth exploring further.

Start the test 3 mins. 10 questions. No account needed.
Cambridge-developed

Created by Simon Baron-Cohen and the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge. Published in 2012.

NICE recommended

Part of the UK adult autism assessment pathway, recommended as a first-step screen for GPs.

Widely used

Used by clinicians worldwide as an initial screen, with around 88% sensitivity for autistic traits.

The basics

What is the AQ-10?

The AQ-10 (Autism Spectrum Quotient-10) is a shortened version of the 50-question AQ, developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge. It gives a quick first screen for autistic traits in adults.

Published in 2012, it is widely used by GPs and clinicians as a first step, and NICE recommends it as part of the UK autism assessment pathway for adults.

It asks about everyday experiences around social situations, attention and communication, and takes about two minutes.

Scoring

What your score means

0–5
6
7–10
Below threshold
Clinical threshold
Above threshold

Each question scores 0 or 1, for a total between 0 and 10. A score of 6 or above is the clinical threshold that suggests autistic traits worth exploring with a specialist.

The AQ-10 is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A high score doesn’t mean you’re autistic, and a low score doesn’t rule it out, many autistic people, particularly women, non-binary people and those who mask, score below the threshold.

What it looks at

Attention to detail
Focus on details vs the big picture
Attention switching
Multitasking and handling interruptions
Communication
Reading between the lines in conversation
Social skills
Reading social cues and intentions
Imagination
Understanding characters’ intentions in stories
Sensory sensitivity
Noticing subtle sounds others miss

What it doesn’t

Sensory processing
How you experience light, sound, touch, taste, smell and movement
Masking & camouflaging
Hiding autistic traits to fit in
Burnout patterns
Exhaustion from sustained masking or overload
Emotional regulation
Processing and managing intense emotions
Executive function
Planning, organising and starting tasks
Interoception
Awareness of internal signals like hunger or fatigue
Frequently asked questions

The things people ask first

It has around 88% sensitivity for autistic traits, but was mainly validated on male populations and can miss people who mask, particularly women and AFAB individuals. It’s best used as a starting point, not a definitive answer.

The score alone can’t diagnose autism, only a qualified professional can, through a full assessment. But it can support a referral and help you put your experiences into words.

A score below the threshold doesn’t rule out autism. Many autistic people, especially those who mask or have an atypical presentation, score below 6. If autism resonates with your experience, it’s worth exploring regardless of the number.

The AQ-10 is a brief screen focused on social communication. The CAT-Q measures masking, and longer tools go deeper. Taking more than one builds a fuller picture.

Want a fuller picture?

The AQ-10 is a quick screen. The OtherMind test goes deeper, and turns your answers into something you can actually use.

Take the OtherMind test