Free AQ-50 Autism Test
The AQ-50 (Autism Quotient-50) is one of the most widely used autism screening tools in the world. Developed by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen at the University of Cambridge, it measures autistic traits across five key areas: social skills, communication, imagination, attention to detail, and attention switching.
Our free screening at Free Autism Test is built on the same clinical principles as the AQ-50 but uses a streamlined, DSM-5-aligned format. Instead of 50 questions, we focus on the 18 most clinically relevant items covering social communication and behavioral/sensory patterns—the two core diagnostic domains.
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18 questions, 5 minutes, instant results. No account required.
Start the Free TestWhat Does the AQ-50 Measure?
The original AQ-50 evaluates five domains:
- Social Skills: Preference for solitary activities, difficulty reading social situations, and discomfort in group settings.
- Attention Switching: Difficulty transitioning between tasks, strong preference for routine, and resistance to interruptions.
- Attention to Detail: Noticing patterns, numbers, or details others miss—a strength for many autistic individuals.
- Communication: Challenges with small talk, literal interpretation of language, and difficulty knowing when it's your turn to speak.
- Imagination: Preference for factual over fictional content, difficulty with pretend play in childhood, and focused interest patterns.
AQ-50 Scoring and Interpretation
On the original AQ-50, each question is scored 0 or 1, giving a total score between 0 and 50. The standard clinical threshold is 32 or above, which suggests a high likelihood of autistic traits warranting further evaluation. Approximately 80% of autistic individuals score at or above this threshold.
Our screening uses a similar threshold approach but evaluates responses on a frequency scale ("Never" to "Very Often"), providing a more nuanced picture of how traits present in daily life. Learn more about how our scoring works.
Why We Built a Streamlined Alternative
While the AQ-50 is an excellent research tool, many people find 50 questions time-consuming. Our 18-question screening focuses on the traits that matter most for clinical identification—the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria—while maintaining the evidence-based foundation that makes the AQ-50 valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AQ-50 test?
The AQ-50 (Autism Quotient-50) is a self-report questionnaire developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at the University of Cambridge. It consists of 50 questions measuring five domains: social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination. A score of 32 or above suggests clinically significant levels of autistic traits.
Is the AQ-50 test free?
The original AQ-50 is freely available in published research papers. Our screening tool at Free Autism Test uses a streamlined, DSM-5-aligned approach that covers the same core domains in just 18 questions, making it faster and more accessible while maintaining clinical relevance.
How accurate is the AQ-50?
The AQ-50 has shown good sensitivity (approximately 80%) for identifying autistic traits in research settings. However, like all self-report screening tools, it cannot diagnose autism—it can only indicate whether further clinical evaluation may be warranted.
What is the difference between the AQ-50 and AQ-10?
The AQ-10 is a shortened version of the AQ-50, using just 10 of the original 50 questions. It was designed as a rapid screening tool for clinical settings where time is limited. While less comprehensive, it still shows reasonable sensitivity for identifying individuals who may benefit from a full assessment.