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.