The researchers analyzed the validity of the AQ to set a standard on what options other researchers have for screening future participants on Autistic “traits”.

Haters love to downplay meaningful Autistic-led research by arguing that if we ‘allow’ self identified autistic people to participate, then our data cannot possibly represent autistic people’s experience.

1 — Requiring participants to ‘prove’ a formal diagnosis requires researchers to disclose a comprehensive plan for safeguarding these confidential records to meet the federal requirements. If documentation is collected outside of a clinic, participants cannot control how their data will be used.

2 — The Autism Spectrum Quotient is now widely accepted as an accessible instrument for screening research participants and classify them as having met the clinical criteria of an autism spectrum disorder. The tool is not meant to diagnose, but to categorize participants in a study.

3 — Researchers are not required to post in their recruitment material whether Autistic participants are limited to formally diagnosed or self identifying. The new rule allows the AQ survey to be administered at any point in the data collection as part of the greater survey task.

This is important because you might come across negative press about Autistic-led research that welcomes all Autistic participants, diagnosed or self identified. By staying up-to-date about the laws and rules, you will be able to stand tall in an argument fueled by ignorance.

The AQ score and its five subscale scores are normally distributed and have demonstrated good test-retest reliability, good internal consistency. Read more about the use of AQ with research participants.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/2040-2392-6-2

Yes, the AQ is not a diagnostic tool and shouldn’t be interpreted for how you would do in a formal assessment. AQ tests are not diagnostic tools for autism, but rather a screening tool to identify potential autistic traits in the general population. The questions are typically presented with a Likert scale, allowing individuals to indicate how strongly they agree or disagree with each statement. A high AQ score may suggest the presence of autistic traits, but further evaluation by a qualified professional is necessary for diagnosis.

Example questions from an Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) test might include: “I often notice small sounds when others do not,” “I find it easy to imagine what characters from a book might look like,” “I prefer to do things the same way over and over again,” “I am fascinated by dates and numbers,” or “I sometimes find it difficult to understand people’s emotions from their facial expressions.”.

The AQ is an online form with 50 questions. The user indicates 0 for “never” or 5 for “always” and 3 is neutral. The AQ is not restricted to any type of persons, and anybody who wish to take it may do so. There is no information in this study about leaving anybody out.

• Take this screening online free, only 50 questions https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient