Free pre-identification tool

Adult autism screening

A free, five minute pre-identification tool for adults, mapped to the domains of the AQ-10 (adult) and NICE CG142.

Step 1 of 3

26 short statements

These statements cover social communication, attention to detail, routines, sensory experience, masking and everyday impact. Answer for how things usually are across your life, not only recently.

This is a free pre-identification tool. It is not a diagnostic instrument, it does not confirm or rule out a diagnosis, and it is not a substitute for a full assessment. The items are adapted from the domains of the AQ-10 (adult), NICE CG142 and the DSM-5-TR autism criteria, so published AQ-10 cut-off scores do not apply.

0 of 26 answeredDefinitely disagree to Definitely agree

Social communication and understanding

I find it difficult to work out what someone is thinking or feeling from their face.

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

I do not always notice when someone is bored by what I am saying.

I find it difficult to follow several conversations happening at once.

When I read a story, I find it hard to work out the characters' intentions.

I find it difficult to imagine what it would be like to be someone else.

Social situations feel easier when there are clear rules about what to do.

People have told me I am blunt or overly honest when I did not intend to be.

Attention to detail and focused interests

I notice small sounds, patterns or details that other people do not.

I enjoy gathering detailed information about topics or categories that interest me.

I have interests I can immerse myself in for long periods.

I find it difficult to return to what I was doing after being interrupted.

Routines and change

I strongly prefer predictability and knowing the plan in advance.

Unexpected change is difficult for me, even when it is positive.

I like doing things in a particular order or a particular way.

I have routines that are important to me and hard to break.

Sensory differences and regulation

Certain sounds, textures, smells or lights feel overwhelming to me.

Busy environments leave me drained for hours afterwards.

I seek out particular sensory experiences that help me feel settled.

I have repetitive movements or habits that help me regulate.

Masking and everyday impact

I rehearse conversations before or after they happen.

I copy other people's manner, expressions or interests in order to fit in.

Social interaction is exhausting for me, even when I enjoy it.

I have experienced burnout after long periods of sustained demand.

These experiences have affected my work, study, relationships or wellbeing.

I have felt different from those around me for as long as I can remember.

Choose a different screener

Please answer every statement so the summary reflects the full picture.

What this screener is based on

Our screeners are free pre-identification tools. They are designed to help you decide whether to explore a full assessment. They are not diagnostic instruments, they do not confirm a diagnosis and they cannot exclude one.

AQ-10 (adult), Autism Research Centre — Domain coverage follows the AQ-10 adult screening tool recommended by NICE for adults without a learning disability.
NICE CG142: Autism in adults — Signs and symptoms prompting assessment follow the identification table in NICE guideline CG142.
DSM-5-TR autism criteria — Social communication, restricted and repetitive patterns and sensory items follow the DSM-5-TR domains.

Items are adapted rather than reproduced, so the published cut-off scores of the instruments above do not apply to this tool. All trademarks and copyright remain with their owners.