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Autism Tests and Spectrum Screening Tools

Autism spectrum screening tools can organize observations about social communication, sensory patterns, repetitive behaviors, and developmental milestones. They are not diagnostic, but they can help decide whether a fuller developmental or clinical assessment may be useful.

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Use administration method, audience, and purpose to choose an appropriate educational or screening resource.

ToolAdministrationIntended audienceItemsPrimary purpose
Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS)Self-reportSchool-age children and adolescents, commonly ages 8-15, reporting their own anxiety symptoms with adult help only when clarification is needed45Explore the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) to assess anxiety in children with a scientifically validated questionnaire.
Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)Self-reportAdults and older adolescents aged 16 or above exploring self-reported autistic traits; it is not a developmental assessment for young children50A psychological self-assessment measuring Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ for short), which is a measure of the expression of autistic traits in adults.
Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)Observer-ratedParents, teachers, or caregivers describing social communication, interests, and behavior in school-age children and adolescents, commonly ages 7-1627The ASSQ provides an early screening tool for Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism in school-aged children and young adults.
Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST)Observer-ratedParents or primary caregivers describing social communication and behavior in children, commonly ages 4-1139Assess autism spectrum characteristics in children with the CAST, a 39-item test developed for parents by experts at the University of Cambridge.
Infant-Toddler Checklist (ITC)Observer-ratedParents or caregivers observing communication and social development in infants and toddlers, commonly from 6 to 24 months24ITC caregiver questionnaire
Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT)Observer-ratedParents or primary caregivers describing social communication and repetitive behavior in toddlers, particularly around 18-24 months25The Q-CHAT offers a quantitative measure of autistic traits for toddlers 18-24 months old, facilitating early autism spectrum condition screening.
Ritvo Autism & Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS-14)Self-reportAdults aged 18 or above exploring longstanding social, sensory, and communication traits associated with autism14Evaluate autism spectrum traits in adults with the RAADS-14 (Ritvo), a concise screening tool designed for self-assessment and clinical use.

Available autism spectrum screening tools