Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)

What is Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test? The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a self-report questionnaire that aims to measure the degree to which an individual exhibits traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction, and is characterized by repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. The AQ was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues in 2001 and has been widely used in research on ASD.

The AQ consists of 50 questions that assess an individual’s social and communication skills, attention to detail, and repetitive behaviors and interests. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used to diagnose ASD. Rather, it is intended to provide a measure of an individual’s autistic-like traits, which may be related to individual differences in cognitive style or processing style. Some research suggests that individuals with ASD tend to score higher on the AQ compared to individuals without ASD, but it is important to note that many people without ASD also score in the high range on the AQ.