Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test
You are here because one of your friends linked you to their Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test result:
Take the TestResults:
High Indication of Autism Traits
Your results indicate a significant presence of traits often associated with autism spectrum disorder. This suggests you might experience differences in social interaction, communication, or focused interests that align with the autism spectrum. While this test is not diagnostic, your results point to the possibility of exploring this further with a healthcare professional. Understanding these traits can provide valuable insight into yourself and open doors to resources that can enhance your life.
Take the TestExplanation of Elements:
Low Social Processing
Low Social Processing refers to difficulties in understanding and engaging with social situations. Individuals with lower scores in this facet may find it challenging to read social cues, participate in group conversations, or maintain social relationships. They may struggle with interpreting non-verbal communication, understanding others’ intentions, or engaging in social chit-chat. High scores on reversed items indicate stronger social skills, enjoyment of social interactions, and proficiency in navigating social settings, such as being a good conversationalist, keeping track of multiple conversations, or managing group dynamics effectively.
Focused Attention Style
Focused Attention Style reflects a preference for routine and predictability. Those scoring higher on this facet may prefer doing things the same way repeatedly and feel distressed when routines are disrupted. They might also have difficulty switching attention between tasks or handling interruptions smoothly. Reversed items capture cognitive flexibility, spontaneity, and multitasking ability, suggesting ease in adapting to change and switching focus as needed. This facet balances between structured, stable attention and the ability to handle dynamic or unpredictable situations with ease.
High Detail Processing
High Detail Processing captures a heightened sensitivity to details and patterns. Individuals scoring high on this facet often notice small sounds, visual details, or patterns that others may overlook. They may focus intensely on specifics, sometimes at the expense of seeing the "big picture." Reversed items reflect a preference for broader perspectives, with less emphasis on fine-grained details. This facet highlights the balance between noticing subtle nuances in the environment and maintaining a holistic, generalized approach to processing information.
Low Communication Processing
Low Communication Processing reflects challenges in verbal and conversational skills. Those scoring high may have difficulty keeping conversations flowing, recognizing social norms in speech, or interpreting humor and subtext. They might also find it hard to determine when to speak or listen in group discussions. This facet emphasizes the balance between conversational proficiency and communication difficulties, with reversed items reflecting ease in social dialogue, understanding humor, and navigating conversational dynamics without misunderstandings or pauses.
Low Imaginative Processing
Imaginative Processing reflects the ability and inclination to engage with abstract, fictional, or imaginative thought. High scores on reversed items indicate strong imaginative abilities, such as visualizing scenarios, creating fictional stories, or engaging in pretend play. Lower scores suggest difficulty in these areas, with a preference for concrete and literal thinking. This facet emphasizes the spectrum between vivid imagination and reliance on tangible, factual information, capturing the ability to immerse oneself in abstract concepts and creative ideation.
References
- Baron-Cohen, Simon & Hoekstra, Rosa & Knickmeyer, Rebecca & Wheelwright, Sally. (2006). The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ)—Adolescent Version. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 36. 343-50. 10.1007/s10803-006-0073-6.
- Simon Baron-Cohen, et al. The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ): Evidence from Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism, Males and Females, Scientists and Mathematicians. 31: J Autism Dev Disord 5-17. 2001.
- M Woodbury-Smith. Screening Adults for Asperger Syndrome using the AQ: a Preliminary Study of its Diagnostic Validity in Clinical Practice. 35(3): J Autism Dev Disord 331-335. 2005.
- Dorothy VM Bishop, et al. Using Self-Report to Identify the Broad Phenotype in Parents of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Study using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient. 45(8): J Child Psychol Psychiatry 1431-1436. 2004.