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Screening Tests

Value of Screening Tests

Curious clients often start by taking one or more of the following on-line assessments (not definitive tests).

If the results of the screening tests below indicate no or a very low indication of ASD or ADHD as compared to the average for the population, you may decide that a full evaluation is not warrante.

 

However, if the screening tests indicate that ASD  or ADHD is possible, you should strongly consider a thorough evaluation.

 

Please be aware that these screening tests:
 

  • are limited in depth and scope,
     

  • are insufficient for a formal assessment leading to an official diagnosis, and
     

  • are not a replacement for the clinical judgment based thorough assessment by a caring and well-trained clinician.

ASD SCREENING

  • Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test 

    • The most common screener for Autism. Based on 50 questions. Score is based on the number of Autistic traits.  

      • Created for autistic adults without co-occurring intellectual disabilities. 

      • Less effective at screening those with highly developed masking skills and autistic individuals who are extroverted and/or imaginative.

      • Scoring:

        • a result of 26 or higher (50 points total) indicates the possibility of Asperger’s

        • 80% of autistic people score 32 or higher

        • Most non-autistic males score 17 on average

        • Most non-autistic females score 15 on average
           

  • Empathy Quotient (EQ) Test 

    • This 60-item questionnaire (there is also a shorter, 40-item version) is designed to measure empathy in adults. 

      • a result of 30 or below indicates the possibility of Asperger’s

      • 81% of people previously designated Asperger syndrome score 30 or lower

      • Most non-autistic males score 42 on average

      • Most non-autistic females score 47 on average
         

  • Ritvo Autism & Asperger Diagnostic Scale- RAADS-14.

    • Higher emphasis on internal experiences than outward behaviors. Effective for distinguishing Autism from other conditions which may be confused for autism (Bipolar, PTSD, Social Anxiety).

      • Scoring:

        • 14 and above out of possible 42 are indicative of possible Asperger's).
           

  • Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ

    • The original ASSQ consists of 27 items for a maximum score of 54 points. 

    • The higher the point total, the greater the likelihood that you show signs of autism spectrum disorder.

    • Score of 51 or higher on the ASSQ indicates possibility of ASD and further assessment is recommended.
       

  • Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)

    • The CAT-Q measures the level of Autistic camouflaging (masking, social compensation, and assimilation). 

    • Identifies Autistic individuals who do not meet diagnostic criteria for autism on other tests due to masking autistic traits. 

    • Risk: Factors other than Autism may cause a person to have a high masking score; therefore, CAT-Q may have a higher rate of false positives. 
       

  • Online Autism Test For Adults (Autism 360)

    • Scoring:

      • 0 to 320 - no autism;

      • 321 to 885 - less than 20% chance of autism symptoms;

      • 886 to 1470 - moderate probability of autism symptoms,

      • 1471 to 1865 - high probability autism symptoms,

      • 1866 and above - 90+% chance of being formally diagnosed with Autism. 

    • Self-learning assessment tool (the test improves over time as more data is collected from previous test takers).​

    • Factors in "360 degree" symptoms that adults with Autism may have.

    • Questions focus on observation skills, social interactions, communication skills, behavioral patterns, sensory & motor skills, and personal interest level.

    • Nominal cost of $1.99.

 

  • Adult Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A)

    • Measures repetitive behavior and restricted interest (criteria B). Most screeners focus on criteria A. By focusing on criteria B, it is easier to distinguish autism from anxiety disorders.

    • Individuals with autism and ADHD may have lower scores.

  • Aspie Quiz

    • This screening test has not been independently validated in a clinical setting and is not recommended. 

ADHD SCREENING

PsychCentral On-line assessment

  • 0-20     ADHD unlikely

  • 20-39   Attention Deficit Disorder Possible

  • 40+       Attention Deficit Disorder Likely

Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRSv1.1)​​

  • Therapist will review the questions with you in session

  • 18 item questionnaire

  • Therapist will interpret score
     

ADHD in Women Symptom Test

  • ​If you score 54-72, that means you answered "Often" or "Very Often" to most of the questions and should pursue a formal diagnosis as there is a possibility that you may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD. 
     

ADD Symptom Test for Adults

  • Focus on Inattentive ADHD (not hyperactivity)​

  • ​If you score 45-60, that means you answered "Often" or "Very Often" to most of the questions and should pursue a formal diagnosis as there is a possibility that you may be experiencing symptoms of Inattentive ADHD. 

Wender Utah ADHD Rating Scale (WURS)

  • Full self-report questionnaire consists of 61-items.

  • Link above includes 25 of which are highly relevant for ADHD Measures ADHD traits present in childhood. 

  • Captures childhood traits (demonstrating the presence of ADHD in childhood is necessary for diagnosis).

  • Many of the items focus on outward behavior and may miss those who high-mask ADHD and people with ADHD-inattentive type.

The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11

 

  • Measures different forms of impulsivity often present in ADHD-hyperactive and ADHD-combined types.

  • Not a full ADHD screener. 

  • Segments impulsivity into three different areas (motor, self-control, and non-planning).

Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale

 

  • This is a parent report screener for CHILDREN ages 6-12.

  • It is NOT for adults.

  • Includes six different subscales:

    • ADHD-inattentive type

    • ADHD hyperactive/impulsive type

    • ADHD-combined type

    • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

    • Conduct disorder

    • Anxiety/depression

  • Screens for oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Such diagnoses can be misleading. Neurodivergent kids may be mislabeled.

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