Autism and developmental assessment
Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) — administration and scoring reference.
Reference information · Official-form reference
- Last content update
- 2026-10-26
- Clinical review
- Not independently reviewed
- Source jurisdiction
- See individual sources
- Coverage
- Official-form reference
| Field | Instrument context |
|---|---|
| Version | AQ; adult 50-item form; short/child forms require separate keys |
| Respondent | Self-report or caregiver by edition |
| Purpose | Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) — administration and scoring reference. |
Administration
Choose the appropriate age and respondent form from the developer’s materials. Use the original keyed scoring rather than summing the four response-category numbers.
Scoring method
Keyed responses counted; adult/child and short editions are distinct.
Interpretation & limitations
- A screening score describes reported autistic traits and supports a fuller developmental and functional assessment.
- Interpret the findings alongside the clinical interview, functioning, history and relevant physical assessment.
- The AQ-10, AQ-50 and child forms are separate. Anxiety, ADHD and other experiences may influence self-report.
- Use the original instrument and manual for item wording, rating anchors, missing-data rules and any normative conversions. This reference does not establish a diagnosis or select treatment.