The Autism Quotient (AQ)
A standard screener for Autism includes 50 questions and measures how many Autistic traits a person has.
Pros: It has been widely used in many populations and studies—one of the few screeners specifically created for Autistic adults without co-occurring intellectual disabilities.
Cons: It may miss high-maskers, extroverted Autistic people, or imaginative Autistic people.
Link: https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient
Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
The CAT-Q measures the level of Autistic camouflaging (masking, social compensation, and assimilation).
Pros: It helps identify Autistic individuals who do not currently meet diagnostic criteria due to their ability to mask their autistic traits.
Cons: There are reasons other than Autism that a person may have a high masking score. CAT-Q may have a higher rate of false positives.
Link: https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/#test
The Ritvo Autism Asperger’s Diagnostic Scale: (RAADS)
The RAADS is designed to identify adults who may have previously “escaped diagnosis” by focusing less of external behaviors and more on internal experiences.
Pros: Focuses more on internal experiences than outward behaviors. Has a high sensitivity, which is good for distinguishing Autism from other conditions (Bipolar, PTSD, Social Anxiety).
Cons: Long administration with a complex answer structure. Many dislike how questions are phrased
Link: https://www.aspietests.org/
Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A)
The RBQ-2A measures the degree of repetitive behavior and restricted interest (criteria B). I am a big fan of this screener as most focus on criteria A (social-communication differences).
Pros: Language is respectful and clearly worded. While most screeners focus on criteria A, this measurement captures Criteria B of Autism, which helps distinguish Autism from social anxiety, PTSD, and more.
Cons: No cons to note. One consideration is that ADHD may impact scores. Autistic-ADHDers may have lower scores here.
Link: https://embrace-autism.com/rbq-2a/
The Aspie Quiz
The Aspie Quiz measures Autistic and neurotypical traits in five domains: talent, perception, communication, relationship, and social.
Pros: Avoids pathologizing language! Respectful and clearly worded questions. Detailed and visual feedback that is very Autistic friendly, and easy to understand.
Cons: Has not been independently validated in a clinical setting and is not widely recognized within the medical establishment.
Link: https://rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php