Free RAADS-R Autism Test for Adults
The RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised) is widely regarded as one of the best self-report tools for identifying autism in adults. Developed by Dr. Riva Ariella Ritvo, it was specifically designed for people who weren't identified in childhood—making it especially relevant for the growing number of adults seeking answers about their neurodivergence.
Our free screening at Free Autism Test draws from the same clinical principles as the RAADS-R, translated into a streamlined 18-question format aligned with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. It evaluates the same core domains in a fraction of the time.
Take our free RAADS-R-style screening
18 questions, 5 minutes, instant results. Designed for adults.
Start the Free TestWhat the RAADS-R Evaluates
The RAADS-R measures four domains across its 80 questions:
- Language: Pragmatic communication skills—how you use language in social contexts, including understanding sarcasm, idioms, and conversational timing.
- Social Relatedness: How you navigate social relationships, including reading body language, understanding unwritten social rules, and managing group dynamics.
- Sensory-Motor: Sensory sensitivities (sound, light, texture, taste) and motor patterns including repetitive movements (stimming) and coordination differences.
- Circumscribed Interests: Intense, focused interests that may dominate your time and attention—often a source of both strength and social friction.
Why the RAADS-R Is Important for Adults
Most autism screening tools were originally designed with children in mind. The RAADS-R was groundbreaking because it acknowledged that adults who have lived undiagnosed for decades have developed extensive coping mechanisms. It asks not just "do you experience this?" but implicitly accounts for the fact that adults may have learned to mask their traits.
This is why many adults—particularly women and those with high-masking presentations—find the RAADS-R more relatable than other screening tools.
RAADS-R Scoring
The RAADS-R uses a unique response format: "True now and when I was young," "True only now," "True only when I was younger than 16," and "Never true." This captures how traits evolve over a lifetime. A total score of 65 or above (out of 240) is considered clinically significant.
Our screening uses a frequency-based approach ("Never" to "Very Often") that captures similar trait intensity. See how our scoring works for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RAADS-R test?
The RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised) is an 80-question self-report instrument designed specifically for adults who suspect they may be autistic. Unlike many screening tools developed for children, the RAADS-R accounts for the fact that adults have had decades to develop coping and masking strategies.
Who is the RAADS-R designed for?
The RAADS-R was designed specifically for adults (age 18+). It is particularly useful for individuals who were not identified in childhood—especially women, those with high-masking presentations, and people who were previously misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or personality disorders.
What does the RAADS-R measure?
The RAADS-R evaluates four domains: Language (pragmatic language skills), Social Relatedness (social interaction and understanding), Sensory-Motor (sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviors), and Circumscribed Interests (focused, intense interests). A total score of 65 or above is considered clinically significant.
Is the RAADS-R better than the AQ-50?
The RAADS-R and AQ-50 serve different purposes. The RAADS-R is longer (80 questions) and was specifically designed for adults, with questions that account for lifelong trait development. The AQ-50 is broader and used in more research contexts. Both are valid screening tools. Our screening draws from the principles of both, distilled into 18 focused questions.