Autism Test

This measure is designed to screen for the presence and severity of traits associated with autism spectrum conditions in adults. Developed by Riva Ariella Ritvo and colleagues, the Autism Test uses the Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS) to quantify autism-related traits across four empirically validated domains. It includes 80 items and typically takes about 15 minutes to complete, yielding both domain-specific scores and a total severity score.

Why Take an Autism Test

Many adults reach adulthood without ever receiving a formal autism evaluation — navigating social and professional life by developing compensatory strategies that quietly mask underlying difficulties. Others have long felt a persistent sense of being "different," struggling with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, rigid thinking patterns, or an intense focus on specific interests, without ever having a clear framework to understand why.

Late identification of ASD in adults is increasingly recognized in clinical research. A significant proportion of autistic individuals — particularly women and those with average or above-average intelligence — are not identified until adulthood, contributing to years of misdiagnosis, unnecessary distress, and inadequate support. A structured test for autism like the RAADS was specifically designed to capture these later-identified presentations, since it asks about lifelong patterns rather than only recent or obvious behaviors, making it well suited to adults who have masked or compensated for their traits over time.

This RAADS-based autism test is especially useful for adults asking "am I autistic?" after years of feeling socially or cognitively different without a clear explanation, and for people already in therapy who want a structured framework to differentiate autistic traits from anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or mood-related difficulties.

What the Assessment Measures

The RAADS assesses autism-related traits across four core domains:

• Social Relatedness — the degree of difficulty forming and maintaining social connections and attachment-related interactions with others
• Language — traits and difficulties in using and understanding spoken language that may be associated with the autism spectrum
• Sensory/Motor — sensory sensitivities and repetitive motor patterns that can affect daily functioning
• Restricted Interests — the extent of narrow, intense interests and repetitive behavior patterns present in daily life

These four domains combine into a Total Score ranging from 0 to 240. Scores of 0–64 fall in the low range, 65–129 indicate elevated traits, and 130–240 fall in the high range. A total score of 65 or above is generally considered indicative of elevated autistic traits warranting further evaluation.

Who This Assessment Is For

This Autism Test is designed for adults aged 18 and older with at least average intellectual functioning. It is used in clinical and research settings, as well as by individuals seeking greater self-understanding — particularly those who have long felt socially or cognitively different without a clear explanation. It is also used by clinicians and researchers as a structured adult screening and severity measure to guide diagnostic decisions and track symptom intensity over time.

Clinical Validity and Use in Practice

The RAADS was developed by Ritvo and colleagues and validated in an international study, demonstrating strong sensitivity and specificity for identifying autism spectrum traits in adults. Results reflect the presence and relative severity of autistic traits across each domain and are not a standalone diagnosis. This autism test does not replace a formal diagnosis — formal diagnosis of ASD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified specialist incorporating developmental history, structured observation, and expert assessment. If your results suggest elevated traits, the appropriate next step is a referral to a specialist experienced in adult autism evaluation.