Free Autism (ASD) Screening Tool | Adults & Children

Is this for you, or your child?

We use two different validated screeners depending on who the screen is for. Pick the one that fits:

For adults (18+), the ten-question screen is the Autism Spectrum Quotient short version (AQ-10), the NICE-cited adult autism screener used by GPs and specialist clinics.

For children and young people (under 18), parents complete the ten-item ASSQ short (Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire), a widely used parent-rated screen for autistic traits in school-age children.

Neither screen can diagnose autism. Both tell you whether the patterns are the ones clinicians look for, and whether it's worth booking a proper assessment.

Before you start

Answer for how things have been across the last six months, not just today.
There are no right or wrong answers, pick the option that's closest.
Nothing is stored. Results sit in your browser only.
This is a screen, not a diagnosis.

Choose who this is for

Step 1 of 2 · Who is this autism screen for?

Is this screen for you, or for a child?

Autism presents differently in adults and children, so we use a different validated screener for each. Pick the one that fits.

Question 1 of 10 · Attention to detail

I often notice small sounds when others do not.

For example, a ticking clock, a humming fridge, a distant siren.

Question 2 of 10 · Attention switching

I usually concentrate more on the whole picture, rather than the small details.

When you walk into a new place, where does your attention go first?

Question 3 of 10 · Attention switching

I find it easy to do more than one thing at once.

For example, listening to someone while also reading or replying to a message.

Question 4 of 10 · Attention switching

If there is an interruption, I can switch back to what I was doing very quickly.

Think about a phone call mid-task, or being asked a question while focused on something.

Question 5 of 10 · Communication

I find it easy to read between the lines when someone is talking to me.

Picking up on what is implied rather than literally said.

Question 6 of 10 · Imagination

I know how to tell if someone listening to me is getting bored.

Reading body language and conversational cues.

Question 7 of 10 · Imagination

When I am reading a story, I find it difficult to work out the characters' intentions.

For example, why a character is being kind, or hiding something.

Question 8 of 10 · Imagination

I like to collect information about categories of things (e.g. types of car, bird, train, plant).

Or any other category that interests you deeply.

Question 9 of 10 · Social

I find it easy to work out what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face.

Without them telling you.

Question 10 of 10 · Social

I find it difficult to work out people's intentions.

In conversation, at work, with friends or strangers.

Question 1 of 10 · Social interaction

My child seems old-fashioned or precocious compared to peers.

For example, in interests, vocabulary, or social style.

Question 2 of 10 · Social interaction

My child is regarded as an "eccentric professor" by other children.

Knowledgeable, intense or quirky in a way peers notice.

Question 3 of 10 · Social interaction

My child lives somewhat in a world of their own with restricted, idiosyncratic interests.

Deep absorption in one or a few specific topics.

Question 4 of 10 · Communication

My child accumulates facts on certain subjects (good rote memory) but does not really understand the meaning.

Memorising train timetables, planets, dinosaurs, sport stats, etc.

Question 5 of 10 · Communication

My child has a literal understanding of ambiguous and metaphorical language.

Idioms, jokes, sarcasm taken at face value.

Question 6 of 10 · Communication

My child has a deviant style of communication with formal, fussy, old-fashioned or "robot like" language.

Distinctive cadence, precise wording, or noticeably formal tone.

Question 7 of 10 · Communication

My child invents idiosyncratic words and expressions.

Personal vocabulary, made-up names for everyday things.

Question 8 of 10 · Restricted/repetitive

My child has a different voice or speech (e.g. childish, high pitched, monotonous).

A distinctive vocal quality compared to peers.

Question 9 of 10 · Restricted/repetitive

My child expresses sounds involuntarily; clears their throat, grunts, smacks, cries or screams.

Repetitive vocal expressions.

Question 10 of 10 · Restricted/repetitive

My child surprises with unusual remarks or asks embarrassing questions.

Without intending to be rude.

Your result

Result

00 / 10Top of scale

Talk to us Read about full autism assessment

Important. This screen is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Autism presents differently in different people, and a low score doesn't rule it out. If your experience tells you something is going on, talk to us.

Ready for a full picture? A complete autism assessment gives you a clear answer and a written report.

Book a full autism assessment →

Free autism (ASD) screening tool.