What is the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test?
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure autistic traits in adults of average intelligence (an IQ of 80 or higher)1. Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, UK, it was first published in 20011. The AQ Test is not a diagnostic tool, but it can be helpful in identifying individuals who may have autistic traits and might benefit from a full autism assessment2. In clinical settings, it serves as a valuable preliminary screening tool, guiding healthcare professionals in determining the need for further, more detailed assessments. In research, the AQ provides a standardized measure for studying autistic traits across various populations, including gender differences and the prevalence of traits among certain professional groups3.

History of the AQ Test
The AQ Test was initially validated in a study with four groups: adults with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA), randomly selected controls, students at Cambridge University, and winners of the UK Mathematics Olympiad4. The study found that adults with AS/HFA had significantly higher AQ scores than the control group, and that men scored slightly higher than women4. Interestingly, scientists and mathematicians scored higher than students in the humanities and social sciences, with mathematicians scoring the highest4. This suggests a possible link between autistic traits and scientific and mathematical aptitude.
Different Versions of the AQ Test
The AQ Test is available in several versions to accommodate different age groups and needs:
AQ for Adults: This is the original version of the test, designed for individuals over 16 years old5.
AQ for Adolescents: This version is designed for individuals between 12 and 155.
AQ for Children: This version, designed for children between 4 and 11, is unique because parents answer the questions on behalf of their children5. Each item on the AQ-Child is rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = definitely agree; 1 = slightly agree; 2 = slightly disagree; and 3 = definitely disagree)7.
AQ-10: This is a shortened version with only 10 questions8. However, it's important to note that the AQ-10 may not be as reliable as the full AQ when used to measure autistic traits in the general population9.
AQ-Short: This version comprises two higher-order factors assessing 'social behavioral difficulties' and 'a fascination for numbers/patterns'10.
The AQ Test has also been translated into several languages6.
How is the AQ Test Scored and Interpreted?
The AQ Test consists of 50 statements, each with four possible responses: "Definitely agree", "Slightly agree", "Slightly disagree", or "Definitely disagree"1. Approximately half of the questions are worded so that a neurotypical individual would agree with them, and half are worded so that a neurotypical individual would disagree with them1.
The AQ Test assesses five different domains, each with 10 questions: 11
Social skill: This domain assesses an individual's comfort and ability in social situations.
Attention switching: This domain assesses an individual's flexibility in shifting attention between tasks or topics.
Attention to detail: This domain assesses an individual's tendency to focus on details and patterns.
Communication: This domain assesses an individual's communication style and ability to understand social cues.
Imagination: This domain assesses an individual's ability to imagine and engage in pretend play.
Each question is scored based on the response, with some questions being reverse scored12. For example, for some questions, "Definitely agree" and "Slightly agree" might be counted as 1 point, while for others, "Definitely disagree" and "Slightly disagree" might be counted as 1 point. The total score ranges from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating a greater number of autistic traits2. A score of 26 or higher is generally considered to be indicative of autistic traits2.
Psychometric Properties of the AQ Test
The psychometric properties of the AQ Test have been extensively studied. The test has demonstrated good test-retest reliability, meaning individuals who take the test multiple times tend to receive similar scores11. The AQ Test also has good internal consistency, meaning the items on the test are all measuring the same construct14.
Furthermore, the AQ Test has shown good construct validity, meaning it measures what it is supposed to measure14. Studies have shown that individuals with autism tend to score higher on the AQ Test than those without autism14. The AQ also has good cross-cultural stability and demonstrates consistent results across different age groups15.
Limitations of the AQ Test
While the AQ Test is a valuable tool for measuring autistic traits, it's important to be aware of its limitations:
Possible gender bias: Some studies suggest the AQ Test may be more likely to identify autistic traits in males than females10. This could be due to the test being developed based on male-centric characteristics of autism16. This potential bias highlights the need for ongoing research and potential revisions to ensure the test accurately captures autistic traits in all genders.
Single score outcome: The AQ Test provides a single overall score, which may not capture the full complexity of autistic traits10. Autism is a spectrum, and individuals may exhibit a diverse range of strengths and challenges that a single score cannot fully represent.
Choice of questions may be biased toward the creator's theory of autism: The questions on the AQ Test may be biased toward Simon Baron-Cohen's theory of autism, which emphasizes deficits in social skills and communication10. This may not fully encompass the broader range of autistic experiences and characteristics.
No subscale scores: The AQ Test does not provide subscale scores, which can be helpful in understanding an individual's strengths and weaknesses within specific domains10. This limits the test's ability to provide a comprehensive profile of an individual's autistic traits.
Uncertainty regarding what a mid-range score might mean due to multiple recommended cutoff scores: There is some uncertainty about what a mid-range score on the AQ Test might mean, as different studies have recommended different cutoff scores10. This can make it challenging to interpret scores that fall in the middle range.
Cultural differences: It's important to recognize that cultural differences may exist in scoring and responses to the AQ17. This highlights the need to consider cultural factors when interpreting results and to ensure the test is culturally sensitive and appropriate for diverse populations.
Personal Experiences with the AQ Test
Many individuals who have taken the AQ Test have shared their experiences. Some have found the test helpful in understanding their own autistic traits, while others have found it less helpful18. One individual shared that the AQ Test was "a good starting point for self-discovery" and helped them "understand why I am the way I am"19. However, another person felt that the test was "not very accurate" and "didn't really capture my experience of autism"20. These varying experiences highlight the subjective nature of self-report measures and the importance of considering individual differences when interpreting results.
Conclusion
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test is a valuable tool for measuring autistic traits in adults. It has been shown to have good psychometric properties and can be helpful in identifying individuals who may have autistic traits and could benefit from further assessment. However, it's crucial to be aware of the test's limitations, such as potential gender bias, the lack of subscale scores, and the influence of cultural differences.
The AQ Test plays a vital role in raising awareness about autism and promoting self-understanding. By providing a standardized measure of autistic traits, it facilitates research and contributes to a better understanding of autism in diverse populations. While the AQ Test is not a diagnostic tool, it can be a useful starting point for individuals who are exploring the possibility of autism and seeking support and resources. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have autism, it is important to talk to a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
引用的著作
1. Autism-spectrum quotient - Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism-spectrum_quotient
2. Autism Spectrum Quotient - Golden Care Therapy, https://goldencaretherapy.com/autism-spectrum-quotient/
3. Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) - Psychology Tools, https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient
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7. Psychometric Properties of the Autism Spectrum Quotient: Children's Version (AQ-Child) | VU Research Repository, https://vuir.vu.edu.au/39659/1/Ep39659_PsychometricPropertiesAutismSpectrumQuotientChildrensVersion%20AQ-Child.pdf
8. The AQ-10 - Embrace Autism, https://embrace-autism.com/aq-10/
9. Psychometric concerns with the 10-item Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ10) as a measure of trait autism in the general population | Experimental Results | Cambridge Core, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/experimental-results/article/psychometric-concerns-with-the-10item-autismspectrum-quotient-aq10-as-a-measure-of-trait-autism-in-the-general-population/2E2F8CF1ECEF65BBB867F49A65A2A3D4
10. The Construction and Validation of an Abridged Version of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-Short) - PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3076581/
11. Is the Autism-Spectrum Quotient a Valid Measure of Traits Associated with the Autism Spectrum? A Rasch Validation in Adults with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorders, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5487751/
12. Usefulness of the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) in screening for autism spectrum disorder and social communication disorder - PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10644653/
13. How to Interpret AQ Test Results: A Full Guide - Brainwave Watch, https://brainwave.watch/how-to-interpret-aq-test-results-a-full-guide/
14. Free Autism Test - Focus Bear, https://www.focusbear.io/tests/autism-test
15. Psychometric properties of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient in both clinical and non-clinical samples: Chinese version for mainland China - PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4936315/
16. Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) - NovoPsych, https://novopsych.com.au/assessments/diagnosis/autism-spectrum-quotient/
17. Validation of the English version of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient in an English-speaking Singaporean sample - PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10538708/
18. Autistic Adult Takes the AQ (autistic quotient test) with @IndieAndy - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiALXZKzm3g
19. Taking the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test - Musings of an Aspie, https://musingsofanaspie.com/2012/11/27/taking-the-autism-spectrum-quotient-aq-test/
20. Apparently 92.3% of women with Autism score 32 or higher on this AQ Test - What is your score? : r/AutismInWomen - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/AutismInWomen/comments/v383bq/apparently_923_of_women_with_autism_score_32_or/