Neurodivergence Diagnosis
Do you think that you might be neurodivergent? Listed below are various empirically tested online questionnaire available and used in the first steps of the referral process.
Seeking Diagnosis
Deciding whether to seek an neurodivergent diagnosis is a deeply personal decision influenced by various factors. An diagnosis can offer clarity and validation for your experiences, helping you understand your strengths and challenges. It may also grant access to specialised support services, accommodations, and therapies designed to meet the needs of autistic individuals. Additionally, a diagnosis can empower you to advocate for yourself in various settings and connect you with a supportive community of individuals who share similar experiences. However, it's important to consider your individual circumstances, preferences, and goals before pursuing a diagnosis. Consulting with a trusted healthcare professional or therapist can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs and help you make an informed decision. If you feel that you will not need further specialised support then an alternative to a formal diagnosis is to a "self-diagnosis" or ‘self-identify’, basically to recognise and identify with the characteristics and experiences commonly associated with autism.
Note: online tests can serve to highlight the diagnostic criteria for neurodivergence, to support informed decisions regarding whether to seek a diagnosis - they do not qualify a formal diagnostic tool and only a fully train medical professional can give advice.
Many of the online tests can give a general overview if you share some of the autism characteristic traits, below are listed the most popular available on-line.
The 2-Minute Autism Diagnosis Screen
This brief assessment, from the University of Bath, is not diagnostic of autism, but serves to highlight the diagnostic criteria for autism, to support informed decisions regarding
whether to seek a diagnosis.
Please answer the following two questions as honestly and accurately as you can. For each question, please choose the one option that is closest to being true for you in everyday life.
Scores:
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Question 1:
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Question 2:
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Combined:
0
0
0
The first item is referred to as the ‘social’ item and the second item is referred to as the ‘RRB item’. Scores can range from 0-4 for each item. Here is how to interpret the scores. Scores of 0 or 1 are more frequently reported by those without autism and scores of 3 or 4 are more frequently reported by those with a diagnosis of autism. Scores of 2 are reported by both those without autism and those with a diagnosis of autism, see the scoring list below:
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Score:
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Both items = 0 or 1; One item = 2, one item < 2. (combined score < 4)
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Meaning:
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Both scores in the range typical of those without autism.
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Indicating:
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Autism diagnostic procedures not needed, neither diagnostic element if evident.
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Score:
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One item = 2, one item > 2; Both items > 2. (Combined score > 4)
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Meaning:
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Both scores in the range typical of those with a diagnosis of autism.
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Indicating:
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Both diagnostic elements are evidenced, seek diagnostic procedures.
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Score: Both items = 2. (combined score = 4) One item 0 or 1, one item 3 or 4.
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Meaning:
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Both scores in the range typical of those with a diagnosis of autism and without autism.
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One score in the range typical of those with a diagnosis of autism, one score in the range typical of those without autism.
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Indicating:
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Borderline, seek additional autism indications before formal diagnostic procedures.
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Both diagnostic elements are not evidenced, seek additional autism indications and explore alternative diagnoses.
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Autism Tests
10
AQ-10
The AQ-10 is a brief screening tool derived from the longer Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50) test. It consists of 10 questions designed to quickly assess the presence of autistic traits in adults. Each question is scored, and higher scores suggest a greater likelihood of autism. The AQ-10 is often used in clinical settings to determine whether a person should undergo a more comprehensive evaluation for autism. Like the AQ-50, it is not a diagnostic test but rather a preliminary screening measure.
A score of 6 or above on the AQ-10 suggests that a person may have significant autistic traits and might benefit from further assessment by a healthcare professional.
External link(s) to online tests:
50
CAT-50
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50)[1.] is a self-assessment tool to measure the degree of autistic traits in adults. It consists of 50 questions that cover five domains: social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination. Each question is scored, with higher total scores indicating a greater presence of autistic traits. A score of 32 or above suggests the potential presence of significant autistic traits and may indicate the need for further assessment. The AQ-50 is commonly used as a screening tool in both research and clinical settings but is not a diagnostic test.
External link(s) to online tests:
Q
CAT-Q
The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)[2] is a significant advancement in the understanding and measurement of social camouflaging behaviors in both autistic and non-autistic populations. Developed through a rigorous psychometric process, the CAT-Q provides a robust tool for assessing the strategies used by individuals to mask or compensate for autistic traits during social interactions. The questionnaire not only addresses a critical gap in the literature by offering the first self-report measure of these behaviors but also demonstrates strong validity and reliability across different genders and diagnostic groups.
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Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E. (2001). The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ): Evidence from asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 31(1), 5-17.
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Hull, L., Mandy, W., Lai, MC. et al. Development and Validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). J Autism Dev Disord 49, 819–833 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3792-6
ADHD Tests
18
Embrace
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) is a self-report screening scale for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, consisting of two parts. Part A is the main test, while part B offers more information that can be discussed with your medical professional.
External link(s) to online tests:
18
ADHD UK
This survey is designed to be done by individuals on their own to give an indication of whether they might have ADHD and would therefore benefit from further clinical analysis. Only a clinician can accurately diagnose ADHD. Scoring 4 or above on this screener is a good indication that an individual would benefit from a clinical review.
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Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E. (2001). The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ): Evidence from asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 31(1), 5-17.
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Hull, L., Mandy, W., Lai, MC. et al. Development and Validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). J Autism Dev Disord 49, 819–833 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3792-6