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Autism & ADHD Screening Tests

Getting Started with Screening Tests

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

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We invite you to take a few screening tests and bring the results to us to a free consult. We would be glad to review the results with you.

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If the results of the screening tests below indicate no or a very low indication of autism or ADHD as compared to the average for the population, you may decide that an in-depth evaluation is not warranted.

 

However, if the screening tests indicate that ASD and/or ADHD is possible, you should strongly consider an in-depth evaluation.

 

Please be aware that these screening tests:
 

  • are limited in depth and scope,
     

  • may limit the amount that you learn about yourself,
     

  • are insufficient for a in-depth assessment, and
     

  • 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 

    • 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 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.
       

  • Modified Girls Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Condition (GQ-ASC) - Scale for Adult Women

    • This screening questionnaire is designed to identify behaviors and abilities in women that are associated with autism.

    • A total score of greater than 56 indicates a high level of autistic traits; sensitive to 80% of cases.
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  • 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. 

    • Administration: Click on this link and self administer. After testing, you will receive an email. Please forward that email to your assigned Assessment Professional.
       

  • 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.

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  • Aspie Quiz

    • 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​

  • 0-20     ADHD unlikely

  • 20-39   Attention Deficit Disorder Possible

  • 40+       Attention Deficit Disorder Likely

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

  • High sensitivity. Records high % of those with ADHD although may include conditions with similar symptoms (false positives)

  • 18 item questionnaire (straightforward and simple to take)

  • Scoring: If four or more marks appear in the darkly shaded boxes within Part A then highly consistent with ADHD in adults and further investigation is warranted. 
     

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. 

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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. 

  • Focuses on childhood traits (presence of ADHD in childhood is required for diagnosis).

  • Focus is on behaviors and may not capture clients who extensively mask ADHD and those with ADHD-inattentive type.

  • Scoring explained here

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Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS-S) - Self Report

  • ADHD symptoms and actual impairment overlap but are distinct concepts. Test focuses on items that are most often targets of treatment. 

  • Can be used to measure progress of treatment. 

  • Consists of 61-items, 25 of which are highly relevant items for ADHD (thus used in the scale for ADHD)

  • Must be manually scored. Scoring explained on this PDF

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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).

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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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