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:
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are limited in depth and scope,
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are insufficient for a formal assessment leading to an official diagnosis, and
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are not a replacement for the clinical judgment based thorough assessment by a caring and well-trained clinician.
ASD SCREENING
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Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test
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The most common screener for Autism. Based on 50 questions. Score is based on the number of Autistic traits.
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Created for autistic adults without co-occurring intellectual disabilities.
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Less effective at screening those with highly developed masking skills and autistic individuals who are extroverted and/or imaginative.
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Scoring:
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a result of 26 or higher (50 points total) indicates the possibility of Asperger’s
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80% of autistic people score 32 or higher
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Most non-autistic males score 17 on average
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Most non-autistic females score 15 on average
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This 60-item questionnaire (there is also a shorter, 40-item version) is designed to measure empathy in adults.
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a result of 30 or below indicates the possibility of Asperger’s
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81% of people previously designated Asperger syndrome score 30 or lower
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Most non-autistic males score 42 on average
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Most non-autistic females score 47 on average
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Ritvo Autism & Asperger Diagnostic Scale- RAADS-14.
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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).
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Scoring:
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14 and above out of possible 42 are indicative of possible Asperger's).
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Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)
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The original ASSQ consists of 27 items for a maximum score of 54 points.
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The higher the point total, the greater the likelihood that you show signs of autism spectrum disorder.
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Score of 51 or higher on the ASSQ indicates possibility of ASD and further assessment is recommended.
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Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
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The CAT-Q measures the level of Autistic camouflaging (masking, social compensation, and assimilation).
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Identifies Autistic individuals who do not meet diagnostic criteria for autism on other tests due to masking autistic traits.
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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.
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Online Autism Test For Adults (Autism 360)
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Scoring:
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0 to 320 - no autism;
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321 to 885 - less than 20% chance of autism symptoms;
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886 to 1470 - moderate probability of autism symptoms,
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1471 to 1865 - high probability autism symptoms,
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1866 and above - 90+% chance of being formally diagnosed with Autism.
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Self-learning assessment tool (the test improves over time as more data is collected from previous test takers).
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Factors in "360 degree" symptoms that adults with Autism may have.
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Questions focus on observation skills, social interactions, communication skills, behavioral patterns, sensory & motor skills, and personal interest level.
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Nominal cost of $1.99.
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Adult Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A)
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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.
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Individuals with autism and ADHD may have lower scores.
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Aspie Quiz
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This screening test has not been independently validated in a clinical setting and is not recommended.
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ADHD SCREENING
PsychCentral On-line assessment
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0-20 ADHD unlikely
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20-39 Attention Deficit Disorder Possible
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40+ Attention Deficit Disorder Likely
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRSv1.1)
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Therapist will review the questions with you in session
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18 item questionnaire
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Therapist will interpret score
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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.
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Focus on Inattentive ADHD (not hyperactivity)
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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)
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Full self-report questionnaire consists of 61-items.
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Link above includes 25 of which are highly relevant for ADHD Measures ADHD traits present in childhood.
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Captures childhood traits (demonstrating the presence of ADHD in childhood is necessary for diagnosis).
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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
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Measures different forms of impulsivity often present in ADHD-hyperactive and ADHD-combined types.
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Not a full ADHD screener.
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Segments impulsivity into three different areas (motor, self-control, and non-planning).
Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale
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This is a parent report screener for CHILDREN ages 6-12.
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It is NOT for adults.
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Includes six different subscales:
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ADHD-inattentive type
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ADHD hyperactive/impulsive type
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ADHD-combined type
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Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
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Conduct disorder
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Anxiety/depression
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Screens for oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Such diagnoses can be misleading. Neurodivergent kids may be mislabeled.