Autism Test: AQ-10 Self-Assessment
Many adults live with undiagnosed autism, particularly those who have learned to mask or camouflage their traits over time. The AQ-10 (Autism Spectrum Quotient, 10-item version) is a brief screening tool developed by the University of Cambridge Autism Research Centre and recommended by NICE clinical guidelines (CG142) as a first step in deciding whether a referral for specialist assessment is warranted. It takes just two minutes.
This screening does not diagnose autism. It identifies traits that may suggest a fuller assessment would be helpful. If you also experience difficulties with focus, organisation, or impulsivity, you may want to try our ADHD self-assessment, as ADHD and autism frequently co-occur.
Take the AQ-10 Autism Screening
AQ-10: Autism Spectrum Self-Assessment
10 statements · Takes 2 minutes
Instructions: Read each statement and select the option that best describes you. There are no right or wrong answers.
Your answers are not stored or transmitted. Everything runs in your browser.
Few Traits
Some Traits
Above Threshold
Support for Neurodiverse Minds
Whether or not you pursue a formal assessment, Recallify is designed to support the way your brain works. Voice capture, structured task management, and smart reminders help reduce cognitive load for people who think differently.
What Does the AQ-10 Measure?
The AQ-10 is a shortened version of the 50-item Autism Spectrum Quotient. It presents 10 statements covering areas such as attention to detail, social communication, flexibility, and understanding others’ intentions. You respond on a four-point scale from “definitely agree” to “definitely disagree.” Scoring is binary: each item scores either 0 or 1 depending on whether your response aligns with the trait being measured, giving a total between 0 and 10.
The validation study tested the AQ-10 on over 1,000 people with autism and 3,000 controls. At a cut-off of 6, it achieved 88% sensitivity and 91% specificity, meaning it correctly identified most autistic individuals while producing relatively few false positives.
How Is the AQ-10 Scored?
For items 1, 7, 8, and 10, you score 1 point for agreeing (definitely or slightly). For items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9, you score 1 point for disagreeing (definitely or slightly). The total ranges from 0 to 10. A score of 6 or above is the NICE-recommended threshold for considering a referral to a specialist autism assessment service. A score below 6 does not rule out autism, especially in people who mask traits.
Autism, Neurodiversity, and Cognitive Support
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people process information, communicate, and experience the world. Many autistic adults also experience difficulties with executive function, working memory, and managing competing demands, challenges that overlap significantly with ADHD and other conditions. Whether or not you pursue a formal diagnosis, understanding how your brain works can help you find strategies and tools that genuinely support your daily life rather than fighting against your natural processing style.
How Recallify Supports Neurodiverse Users
Recallify was built with neurodivergent users in mind. Voice capture means you can record information without needing to type or write in the moment. Automatic task extraction reduces the executive function demand of breaking things down into steps. Smart reminders and structured planning provide external scaffolding for the organisational tasks that many autistic and ADHD adults find draining. The app adapts to how you work, rather than expecting you to adapt to it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does this test diagnose autism?
No. The AQ-10 is a brief screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It identifies traits that may suggest a referral for specialist assessment is warranted. A formal autism diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a trained professional, typically involving a detailed developmental history and clinical interview.
What does a score of 6 or above mean?
A score of 6 or above means you endorsed enough traits to meet the NICE-recommended threshold for considering a referral. It does not mean you are autistic. It means a fuller assessment could be helpful. You can ask your GP for a referral, or in many areas of the UK you can self-refer to an adult autism assessment service via the NHS.
What if I scored low but still think I might be autistic?
The AQ-10 is very brief and does not capture the full range of autistic experiences. It may miss people who mask or camouflage their traits, which is particularly common in women and people diagnosed later in life. If your experiences suggest autism to you, speaking with a professional who understands adult autism is worthwhile regardless of your AQ-10 score.
How does autism relate to ADHD?
Autism and ADHD frequently co-occur. Research suggests that 30 to 80% of autistic people also meet criteria for ADHD, and vice versa. Both conditions affect executive function, attention, and daily organisation. If you score above the threshold on this screening, you may also find our ADHD self-assessment useful.
Are my questionnaire answers stored?
No. This tool runs entirely in your browser. No answers or scores are stored, transmitted, or shared.