Autism-spectrum quotient

Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a self-report questionnaire that was developed by the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge. It is designed to measure the degree to which an adult with normal intelligence has traits associated with the autism spectrum.

Overview

The Autism-Spectrum Quotient consists of 50 questions, each of which is scored 1 point if the respondent's answer indicates autistic traits. The AQ is not a diagnostic tool, but a measure of traits associated with autism-spectrum conditions. It was first published by Simon Baron-Cohen, Sally Wheelwright, Richard Skinner, Joanne Martin, and E. Clubley in 2001.

Scoring and interpretation

The Autism-Spectrum Quotient has a maximum score of 50. In the initial study, individuals with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism scored an average of 35, compared to a control group average of 16. Scores of 32 or more are often used as a cut-off for indicating "clinically significant" levels of autistic traits.

Reliability and validity

The Autism-Spectrum Quotient has been found to have good reliability and validity in a number of studies. It has been translated into many languages and used in research worldwide.

Criticism and controversy

While the Autism-Spectrum Quotient is widely used in research, it has been criticized for its reliance on self-report, which can be influenced by a number of factors. Some researchers have also questioned the validity of using a single cut-off score to indicate clinically significant levels of autistic traits.

See also

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
• Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised
• Diagnostic classification and rating scales used in psychiatry