Quick answer: Online autism tests for adults, such as the AQ (Autism Spectrum Quotient) and the RAADS-R, are screening questionnaires. They can help you decide whether to look into autism further, but they can't diagnose autism. Only a qualified professional can make a diagnosis, through an assessment that includes a diagnostic interview and your developmental history.
What are the most common online autism tests?
AQ (Autism Spectrum Quotient): a 50-item self-report questionnaire about social skills, attention, routines and imagination. A short 10-item version (AQ-10) is also widely used.
RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale – Revised): an 80-item questionnaire that asks about experiences now and in childhood. Despite its name, an online self-scored RAADS-R isn't a diagnosis.
CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire): looks at masking or camouflaging, which can be especially relevant for women and late-diagnosed adults.
Are online autism tests accurate?
These questionnaires were designed as screening tools, usually to be interpreted by a clinician. On their own, they have real limits:
People who mask may score lower than expected, because they answer based on how they've learned to cope.
Anxiety, trauma, ADHD and other experiences can raise scores without autism being present.
Free online versions may be adapted, shortened or scored differently from the original.
A high or low score is a useful prompt for reflection, not an answer.
I scored high on an online test. What should I do next?
If a test resonated with you, it's worth writing down the experiences that stood out, from childhood as well as now. These notes are helpful if you decide to seek an assessment. Many people also find it useful to read about autistic experiences from autistic adults.
How is a formal adult autism assessment different?
A formal assessment looks at the whole picture. At Emu Heights Psychology it includes a detailed intake form, psychometric questionnaires, a diagnostic interview of about 1–2 hours, a written letter or report, and a feedback session. Depending on the option you choose, the interview is a semi-structured interview based on DSM-5-TR criteria or the MIGDAS-2 structured interview. The outcome is a formal diagnosis (or not) based on DSM-5-TR criteria, which an online test can't provide.
There are four options depending on how much assessment and written detail you want, available as an autism assessment or a combined autism and ADHD assessment. You can see current fees and compare them on our Autism & Combined Assessments page.
Can I be assessed online?
Yes. A telehealth assessment uses the same process and criteria as an in-person one. You can attend by telehealth anywhere in Australia, or in person in Blaxland in the Blue Mountains, near Penrith. No referral is needed. See what to expect.
About the author
Kylie Wheeler is a registered psychologist and the founder of Emu Heights Psychology. She is a late-diagnosed neurodivergent adult (AuDHDer) and provides neurodiversity-affirming adult autism and ADHD assessments in person in Blaxland and by telehealth across Australia.
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for an individual assessment or clinical advice.
