The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ test) is a widely used psychological screening questionnaire designed to measure traits associated with the autism spectrum.
Our Autism Quotient Test (Mind Indicator version) helps identify patterns of thinking and behavior often linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder, including characteristics historically associated with Asperger Syndrome.
This online version allows you to quickly assess how strongly you exhibit traits related to the autism spectrum.
This test is not a medical diagnosis, but it can provide useful insight into cognitive and social patterns.
What Is the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)?
The Autism Spectrum Quotient is a self-assessment questionnaire developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues to measure autistic traits in individuals with average or above-average intelligence. Our The Autism Quotient Test (MI version) test is an adapted version of the Autism Quotient Test (AQ) model. It includes additional factors related to the autism spectrum and is owned by Mind Indicator.
The test evaluates five psychological domains:
Social skills
Attention switching
Attention to detail
Communication
Imagination
Each domain reflects cognitive or behavioral patterns that may be more common among individuals on the autism spectrum.
Who Should Take the AQ Test?
This test may be useful if you:
Wonder whether you might have traits associated with autism
Want to understand your social communication style
Are interested in learning more about neurodiversity
Experience challenges with social interaction or communication
Prefer routines, patterns, or structured environments
The AQ test is designed primarily for adults aged 16+.
What Your Results Mean
Your AQ score can provide insight into several cognitive patterns, including:
Social Interaction
Comfort with social situations, conversation flow, and understanding social cues.
Communication
How easily you interpret indirect language, humor, or sarcasm.
Attention to Detail
The tendency to notice patterns, small details, and structured information.
Cognitive Flexibility
How easily you adapt to change or switch between tasks.
Imagination
Your ability to imagine hypothetical situations or perspectives of others.
Important Disclaimer
The Autism Spectrum Quotient is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.
A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder can only be made by a qualified clinician after a comprehensive psychological assessment.
If your results suggest elevated autistic traits and you have concerns about your experiences, consider consulting a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or autism specialist.
Scientific Background
The AQ questionnaire was first introduced in 2001 in research led by Simon Baron-Cohen at the University of Cambridge.
The original study examined the distribution of autistic traits in both clinical and general populations and helped establish the AQ as one of the most widely used autism screening questionnaires in research and online assessments.
Take the Autism Spectrum Quotient Test
Ready to begin?
The test takes about 5–10 minutes to complete and provides immediate results.
Start the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test (Mind Indicator version) below to explore how your thinking style and behavior compare with patterns associated with the autism spectrum.
