Autism & ADHD Screening Tests
Do you think you might be autistic or ADHD?
Try one or more of the tests for adults below:
Autism:
Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test
Most common screener for Autism
50 Questions
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Ritvo Autism & Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS-14)
Emphasis on internal experiences
14 Questions
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Modified Girls Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Condition (GQ-ASC) - Scale for Adult Women
Identify behaviors and abilities in women associated with autism
21 Questions
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Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
Detects masking, social compensation, and assimilation
25 Questions
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ADHD:
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRSv1.1)
Commonly used self-assessment tool for adult ADHD
18 Questions
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Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)
Focus on impulsivity traits
30 Questions
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Structured Adult ADHD Self-Test (SAAST)
Covers concentration, impulsiveness, disorganization, and hyperactivity
21 Questions
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Copeland Symptom List for Adult ADD
Focus on Attention Deficit, not hyperactivity
63 Questions
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Psychometric Tests for co-occurring conditions or related aspects to autism and ADHD
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Adult Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A)
Measures repetitive and restricted behaviors in adults
20 Questions
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The Dyslexia Questionnaire for Adults
Assesses difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling that indicate dyslexia in adults
13 Questions
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Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire for Adults (EDA-QA)
Assesses regulation, flexible thinking, sensory coherence, and social perspective-taking
26 Questions
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Assesses for features indicating a monotropic cognitive style, the tendency to focus deeply on a limited number of interests at one time.
47 Questions
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Online Alexithymia Questionnaire (OAQ-G2)
Measures 7 factors related to emotions (see below)
37 Questions
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Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)
Identifies difficulties identifying and describing emotions, and distinguishing body sensations from emotions
20 Questions
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See below for more information on each screening test.
What is a "Screening" Test?
Autism Screeners
ADHD Screeners
Psychometric Tests (for co-occurring conditions or aspects related to autism)
What is a Screening Test?
Curious clients often start by taking one or more of the on-line screening tests listed below (not definitive tests).
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Screening tests are initial assessments designed to identify individuals who might be autistic or an ADHD'er. These tests are typically brief and aim to quickly determine whether a more comprehensive evaluation is necessary. Screening tests are not diagnostic tools but rather serve to flag potential developmental issues or ASD characteristics.
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Screener says "low" or "no"
If the results of the screening tests below indicate no or a very low indication of autism or ADHD as compared to the average for the population, you may decide that an in-depth evaluation is not warranted.
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Screener says "possible"
However, if the screening tests indicate that ASD and/or ADHD is possible, you should strongly consider an in-depth evaluation. The first step is to fill out our contact form so you can book a free consult with us.
Warning
Please be aware that these screening tests:
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are limited in depth and scope,
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may limit the amount that you learn about yourself,
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are insufficient for a in-depth assessment, and
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are not a replacement for an assessment by a caring and well-trained clinician.
AUTISM SCREENING
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TOP 4 RECOMMENDED AUTISM SCREENERS
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1. Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test
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Click HERE to take test
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The most common screener for Autism. Score is based on the number of Autistic traits.
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Created for autistic adults without co-occurring intellectual disabilities.
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Less effective at screening those with highly developed masking skills and autistic individuals who are extroverted and/or imaginative.
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50 Questions
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Scoring:
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a result of 26 or higher (50 points total) indicates the possibility of Autism
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80% of autistic people score 32 or higher
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Most non-autistic males score 17 on average
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Most non-autistic females score 15 on average
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2. Ritvo Autism & Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS-14)
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Higher emphasis on internal experiences than outward behaviors. Effective for distinguishing Autism from other conditions which may be confused for autism (Bipolar, PTSD, Social Anxiety).
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14 Questions
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Scoring:
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14 and above out of possible 42 are indicative of possible Autism
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3. Modified Girls Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Condition (GQ-ASC) - Scale for Adult Women
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This screening questionnaire is designed to identify behaviors and abilities in women that are associated with autism.
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21 Questions
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A total score of greater than 56 indicates a high level of autistic traits; sensitive to 80% of cases.
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4. Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)​
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The CAT-Q measures the level of Autistic camouflaging (masking, social compensation, and assimilation).
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25 Questions
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Identifies Autistic individuals who do not meet diagnostic criteria for autism on other tests due to masking autistic traits.
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The total score ranges from 25–175 with scores 100 or above indicating camouflage of autistic traits.
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The CAT-Q measures the level of Autistic camouflaging across three subscales:
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Compensation — Strategies used to actively compensate for difficulties in social situations. Examples: copying body language and facial expressions, learning social cues from movies and books.
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Masking — Strategies used to hide autistic characteristics or portray a nonautistic persona. Examples: adjusting face and body to appear confident and/or relaxed, forcing eye contact.
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Assimilation — Strategies used to try to fit in with others in social situations. Examples: Putting on an act, avoiding or forcing interactions with others.
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Understanding the Subscales Scores
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The total score is the sum of the scores from the three subscales. This means that the overall camouflaging behavior is a combination of these different strategies.
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By comparing the relative scores of the three subscales—Compensation, Masking, and Assimilation— one can evaluate the individual’s relative degree of reliance on each type of camouflaging behavior. In other words, by looking at which subscale has the highest or lowest score, you can get a sense of which strategies they are using most or least frequently in social situations.
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Risk: Factors other than Autism may cause a person to have a high masking score; therefore, CAT-Q may have a higher rate of false positives.
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ADDITIONAL AUTISM SCREENERS
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Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)
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The original ASSQ consists of 27 items for a maximum score of 54 points.
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The higher the point total, the greater the likelihood that you show signs of autism spectrum disorder.
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Score of 51 or higher on the ASSQ indicates possibility of ASD and further assessment is recommended.
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Online Autism Test For Adults (Autism 360)
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Scoring:
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0 to 320 - no autism;
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321 to 885 - less than 20% chance of autism symptoms;
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886 to 1470 - moderate probability of autism symptoms,
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1471 to 1865 - high probability autism symptoms,
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1866 and above - 90+% chance of being formally diagnosed with Autism.
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Self-learning assessment tool (the test improves over time as more data is collected from previous test takers).​
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Factors in "360 degree" symptoms that adults with Autism may have.
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Questions focus on observation skills, social interactions, communication skills, behavioral patterns, sensory & motor skills, and personal interest level.
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Nominal cost of $1.99.
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Adult Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A)
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Measures repetitive behavior and restricted interest (criteria B). Most screeners focus on criteria A. By focusing on criteria B, it is easier to distinguish autism from anxiety disorders.
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Individuals with autism and ADHD may have lower scores.
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Empathy Quotient (EQ) Test
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This 60-item questionnaire is designed to measure empathy in adults.
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a result of 30 or below indicates the possibility of Autism
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81% of people previously designated Autistic score 30 or lower
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Most non-autistic males score 42 on average
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Most non-autistic females score 47 on average
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Aspie Quiz
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This screening test has not been independently validated in a clinical setting and is not recommended.
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ADHD SCREENING
RECOMMENDED ADHD SCREENERS​
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Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRSv1.1)​​
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One of the most commonly used self-assessment tools for adult ADHD.
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High sensitivity. Records high % of those with ADHD although may include conditions with similar symptoms (false positives).
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18 questions (straightforward and simple to take).
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Scoring: Part A score 4-6 highly consistent with ADHD in adults and further investigation is warranted. The frequency scores on Part B provide additional cues and can serve as further probes into the patient’s symptoms. No total score or diagnostic
likelihood is utilized for the Part B questions.
Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)
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Measures different forms of impulsivity often present in ADHD-hyperactive and ADHD-combined types.
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30 questions.
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Total scores of 72 or above = highly impulsive.
Total scores between 52 and 71 = within normal limits for impulsiveness. -
Segments impulsivity into three different areas (motor, self-control, and non-planning).
Structured Adult ADHD Self-Test (SAAST)
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Helps identify potential symptoms of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) through self-assessment.
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Covers a range of behaviors and symptoms commonly associated with ADHD in adults, including difficulty concentrating, impulsiveness, disorganization, and hyperactivity.
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21 Questions
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Participants are asked to rate these based on the frequency or intensity of the symptoms over a specified period.
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Scores over 24, together with the absence of mitigating factors (mental illness, other medical conditions, etc), are generally consistent with ADHD, but they do not confirm a diagnosis.
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Copeland Symptom List for Adult ADD
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Targets Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which is a term that has been traditionally used to describe a form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without the hyperactivity component. However, in the current diagnostic criteria, ADD is considered a subtype of ADHD known as ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (ADHD-PI).
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63 questions
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Designed for Self-Assessment: The list is intended for individuals to self-assess and reflect on their own behaviors and symptoms over a period of time.
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Wide Range of Symptoms: The Copeland Symptom List covers a broad spectrum of symptoms, including but not limited to difficulty concentrating, impulsiveness, trouble managing time, problems with organizing tasks, and emotional challenges such as mood swings.
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Scoring on subscales:
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Between 35-49% suggest mild to moderate difficulties.
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Between 50-69% suggest moderate to severe difficulties.
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Above 70% suggest major interference.
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ADDITIONAL ADHD SCREENERS
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​If you score 54-72, that means you answered "Often" or "Very Often" to most of the questions and should pursue a formal diagnosis as there is a possibility that you may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD.
ADD Symptom Test for Adults​
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Focus on Inattentive ADHD (not hyperactivity)​
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​If you score 45-60, that means you answered "Often" or "Very Often" to most of the questions and should pursue a formal diagnosis as there is a possibility that you may be experiencing symptoms of Inattentive ADHD.
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Wender Utah ADHD Rating Scale (WURS)
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Full self-report questionnaire consists of 61-items.
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Link above includes 25 of which are highly relevant for ADHD Measures ADHD traits present in childhood.
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Focuses on childhood traits (presence of ADHD in childhood is required for diagnosis).
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Focus is on behaviors and may not capture clients who extensively mask ADHD and those with ADHD-inattentive type.
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Scoring explained here
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Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS-S) - Self Report
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ADHD symptoms and actual impairment overlap but are distinct concepts. Test focuses on items that are most often targets of treatment.
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Can be used to measure progress of treatment.
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Consists of 61-items, 25 of which are highly relevant items for ADHD (thus used in the scale for ADHD).
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Must be manually scored. Scoring explained on this PDF.
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Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale
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This is a parent report screener for CHILDREN ages 6-12.
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It is NOT for adults.
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Includes six different subscales:
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ADHD-inattentive type
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ADHD hyperactive/impulsive type
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ADHD-combined type
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Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
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Conduct disorder
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Anxiety/depression
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Screens for oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Such diagnoses can be misleading. Neurodivergent kids may be mislabeled.
PsychCentral On-line assessment​
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0-20 ADHD unlikely
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20-39 Attention Deficit Disorder Possible
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40+ Attention Deficit Disorder Likely
Psychometric Screening Tests for co-occurring conditions or related aspects to autism and ADHD
AUTSIM-RELATED SCREENERS​
Psychometric Tests for co-occurring conditions or aspects related to autism:
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Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)
Click HERE to take test
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The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) is a 20-item, self-administered questionnaire that measures difficulty in identifying and describing emotions, which is a big part of alexithymia.
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The TAS focuses on three factors:
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Difficulty identifying subjective emotional feelings
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Distinguishing feelings and bodily sensations from emotional arousal, and
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Difficulty describing feeling
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Duration:5–7 minutes
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Adults (age 16+) of average or higher intelligence.
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Score Interpretation:
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20–51 No alexithymia
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52–60 Possible alexithymia
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61–100 Alexithymia present
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Online Alexithymia Questionnaire (OAQ-G2)
Click HERE to take test
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Self-administered questionnaire to measure difficulty in identifying and describing emotions and feelings, and distinguishing between the accompanying bodily sensations.
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Measures 7 factors:
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difficulty identifying emotions
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difficulty describing feelings
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vicarious interpretation of feelings
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externally-oriented thinking
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restricted imaginative processes
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problematic interpersonal relationships
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sexual difficulties and disinterest.
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The test is particularly suited for:
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Adults with ASD level 1 (previously Asperger syndrome).
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Adults with normal to high IQ (IQ >=80).
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Research indicates that 40–65% of autistic people have alexithymia—or even as high as 70%.
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37 Questions and 10-12 minutes
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Score Interpretation:
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37–94 No alexithymia
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95–112 Possible alexithymia
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113–185 Alexithymia present
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Adult Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A)
Click HERE to take test
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Statements: 20
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Duration:7-10 minutes
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Measures two factors of restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) associated with autism. These factors include: Repetitive motor behaviors and insistence on sameness
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Also assesses other RRBs, such as: routines and rituals, sensory interests, and repetitive actions with objects
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Adults (age 18+) of average or higher intelligence
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The RBQ-2A gives 3 or 4 choices for each question:
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Never or rarely (1point)
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One or more times daily (mild or occasional) (2 points)
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15 or more times daily (marked or notable) (3 points)
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30 or more times daily (serious or severe) (3 points)
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Questions 6–12 and 20 give 3 possible answers, while the other questions give a fourth option. However, answers #3 and #4 are both scored as 3.
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Scoring range: 20–60
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Threshold score: 26↑
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36 average autistic score
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25 non-autistic score
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Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire for Adults (EDA-QA)
Click HERE to take test
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Self-administered questionnaire that measures traits and behaviors related to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
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PDA is characterized by an individual's extreme avoidance of everyday demands and requests due to an anxiety-driven need for control.
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EDA-QA is for adults 18+ of average or higher intelligence.. This should be distinguished from the EDA-Q for children.
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PDA is also referred to as Persistent Demand for Autonomy, highlighting the constant striving for self-governance and resistance to external pressures.
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Assesses four core areas:
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Regulation
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Flexible thinking
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Sensory coherence
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Social perspective-taking.
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Statements: 26
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Duration:10–12 minutes
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Scoring range: 0–78 Threshold score: n/a
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Although a threshold has not been established, scores greater than 45 indicate a high risk of showing features of PDA
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Lower scores mean likely do not
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The Monotropism Questionnaire
Click HERE to take test
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A self-report tool designed to assess for features indicating a monotropic cognitive style. A monotropic style of cognition has been correlated with Autism.
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Monotropism is a term used within the autistic community to describe a common attentional characteristic: the tendency to focus deeply on a limited number of interests at one time. It is considered to result in both strengths and weaknesses.
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Monotropism is the opposite of multitasking, which is the ability to switch between multiple tasks or topics quickly. While multitasking is often seen as a desirable skill, monotropism has traditionally been viewed as a limitation or deficit. Fortunately, this view has been rapidly changing.
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The questionnaire consists of questions that gauge the extent to which a person exhibits monotropic tendencies. Interpreting the results involves analyzing their responses to figure out the degree of cognitive focus or specialization.
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Statements: 47
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Duration:15–17 minutes
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Scoring:
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Higher scores may suggest a stronger inclination towards monotropism, indicating a more intense and singular focus on specific subjects. On the other hand, lower scores might suggest a more distributed and flexible attention span.
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Scoring range: 0–5 Threshold score: 3.3​
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This questionnaire is published under a Creative Commons license, CC-BY-NC-SA. Garau, V., Woods, R., Chown, N., Hallett, S., Murray, F., Wood, R., Murray, A. & Fletcher-Watson, S. (2023). The Monotropism Questionnaire, Open Science Framework.
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Dyslexia Questionnaire for Adults
Click HERE to take test
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The Dyslexia Questionnaire for Adults is a 13-item, self-administered questionnaire that measures difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling and whether these difficulties are indicative of dyslexia.
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This questionnaire was created from criteria from Davis Dyslexia Association International.
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The Dyslexia Questionnaire focuses on:
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Tendencies to struggle with and/or avoid activities that require a lot of reading
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Difficulties pronouncing long words
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Issues with spelling
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Difficulties with reading comprehension
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Duration:5–7 minutes
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Adults (age 18+) of average or higher intelligence.
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Score Interpretation:
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0-38 - Likely no dyslexia
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39-52 - Likely dyslexia
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