The AQ test, or the Autism Spectrum Quotient, was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and fellow researchers at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, UK and was published in 2001. It consists of fifty questions for the purpose of determining whether adults of average intelligence have symptoms of autism or one of the other autism spectrum conditions; i.e. Asperger's Syndrome. In the years following
. Simon Baron-Cohen's development of the AQ test, publications of versions of the AQ for adolescents and children have come into use. Popularised by Wired Magazine in late 2001, the test was published with the article, "The Geek Syndrome". It is not meant for the purpose of medical analysis, but it is most commonly used for self diagnosis of Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. The fifty questions are intentionally formatted to force a choice within the answers available: definitely agree, slightly agree, slightly disagree or definitely disagree. Almost half of the questions are designed to elicit an agree response from a "normal" individual, the other half designed to achieve a disagree response from the same said "normal" individual. The five domains associated with autism spectrum disorders: social skills, communication skills, imagination, attention to detail and attention switching/tolerance of change, are all the basis of the test questions. One point is scored for every question which is answered "autistically" either slightly or definitely. The developers of the test found that a score of 32 or higher indicates a "clinically significant level of autistic traits". Further research has revealed that the test is compatible for use in a clinical setting with scores less than 26 ruling out a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. It is strongly recommended that anyone taking the test that is concerned with the results follow-up with a medical professional as the test is not meant for self-diagnosis. It is a valuable tool for continuing investigation into autism spectrum disorders and developing treatment options. http://aq.server8.org/ or http://www.aspergerinfo.org/wiredaqtest.htm
