Autism-spectrum quotient facts for kids

The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ) is a special questionnaire. It was created in 2001 by Simon Baron-Cohen and his team. They worked at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, UK.

This questionnaire has fifty questions. Its main goal is to see if adults with average intelligence show signs of autism spectrum conditions. Later, versions of the AQ were made for children and teenagers too.

The test became well-known after being featured in Wired magazine. It was published in December 2001 with an article called "The Geek Syndrome." Many people use the AQ to learn more about themselves. However, it is important to remember that it is not a test to officially diagnose autism spectrum disorders.

How the AQ Test Works

The AQ test has 50 statements. For each statement, you choose one of four answers:

• "definitely agree"
• "slightly agree"
• "slightly disagree"
• "definitely disagree"

About half of the questions are written so that people who do not have autism traits would usually agree. The other half are written so they would usually disagree. You get one point for each answer that matches an "autistic" way of thinking. This includes choosing "slightly" or "definitely."

What the Questions Cover

The questions in the AQ test look at five different areas. These areas are often linked to the autism spectrum:

• Social skills (how you interact with others)
• Communication skills (how you talk and listen)
• Imagination (how you think creatively)
• Attention to detail (how much you notice small things)
• Attention switching and tolerance of change (how easily you can change focus or handle new situations)

Using the AQ as a Tool

When the test was first used, people who did not have autism traits scored around 16.4 points on average. Men often scored a little higher than women.

About 80% of adults who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders scored 32 points or more. In comparison, only 2% of the control group (people without autism) scored that high.

The creators of the test said that a score of 32 or more could mean someone has "clinically significant levels of autistic traits." But they also warn that the test is not for official diagnosis. If someone scores high and feels worried, they should talk to a doctor or a professional. They should not make their own conclusions.

Some research suggests the questionnaire can help with screening in clinical practice. For example, scores less than 26 might mean that Asperger syndrome is unlikely. The AQ is also used to look at milder autism-like traits in people who are considered neurotypical (meaning they do not have autism).

AQ Scores in Math and Science

Some people with autism spectrum disorder are very good at mathematics. Autism has not stopped adults from achieving great things.

The AQ questionnaire was given to students at Cambridge University. It was also given to 16 winners of the British Mathematical Olympiad. This was done to see if there was a link between talent in math and science and autism-like traits.

Students studying mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering often scored higher on the AQ. For example, math students scored 21.8 on average. Computer science students scored 21.4. The winners of the British Mathematical Olympiad had an average score of 24. This suggests a connection between these fields and certain traits.

See Also

In Spanish: Cociente de espectro autista para niños

• List of diagnostic classification and rating scales used in psychiatry
• Psychological testing
• Psychometrics
• Autism diagnostic process