Autism Spectrum Self-Assessment
A 12-question screening tool based on DSM-5 ASD criteria across three domains: social communication, behavioral patterns, and sensory experience. Takes about 3 minutes. Not a diagnosis — a starting point.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a medical diagnosis.
What Is the Autism Spectrum Disorder Screener?
This self-assessment is a 12-question screening tool designed for teenagers and adults (16+) who want to explore whether their experiences may be consistent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is not a diagnostic test — it is a structured starting point that maps your responses to the three core domains used in DSM-5 ASD criteria: social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing.
The screener takes approximately 3 minutes to complete. Your answers are scored across each domain and returned immediately. A high score does not confirm autism; a low score does not rule it out. What the results give you is language and context to bring to a clinical evaluation — the only process that can produce a formal diagnosis.
Who is this screener for?
- Adults who have always felt "different" but never had an explanation
- People who have been previously diagnosed with anxiety or depression that didn't fully fit
- Women and nonbinary individuals who may have been missed by traditional diagnostic criteria
- Anyone who recognizes autistic traits in themselves after learning about late-identified autism
- Parents or partners wanting to understand their own neurology before pursuing evaluations for family members
What does it measure?
The three domains correspond directly to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria: social communication and interaction (how you process and engage in social relationships), restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests (routines, rituals, and intense focus areas), and sensory sensitivity (how you respond to sensory input compared to neurotypical norms).
Autism Is Often Missed Until Adulthood
Many autistic adults — especially women and those with higher cognitive abilities — go undiagnosed for decades. Social masking, late-onset awareness, and outdated stereotypes mean that autism is frequently overlooked until significant distress leads someone to seek answers.
What Do the Results Mean?
This screener produces a score from 0 to 48 across three domains. Here is what each range indicates — and the important caveats that apply to every score.
Below the typical threshold for ASD indicators.
Responses do not strongly suggest autism spectrum traits at this time. If you still relate to many autistic experiences, consider that heavy masking — consciously suppressing and adapting behaviors — often lowers scores significantly. Social anxiety, ADHD, and sensory processing differences can produce similar experiences without an ASD diagnosis. A low score is not a definitive ruling-out.
Notable autistic traits across one or more domains.
This range commonly appears in late-identified adults — particularly women, nonbinary individuals, and high-IQ people who developed strong coping strategies early in life. A score here does not confirm autism, but it does suggest that a formal clinical evaluation is worthwhile. Many adults in this range receive an ASD diagnosis after years of being told they had anxiety or were "just introverted."
Responses consistent with significant autistic traits.
A high score across social communication, behavioral patterns, and sensory experience is a strong indicator that a formal ASD evaluation is appropriate. This is not a diagnosis — only a licensed clinician can diagnose autism spectrum disorder — but it is a clear signal to pursue one. Adults who receive a formal diagnosis at this range often describe relief at finally having an accurate explanation for lifelong experiences.
Important — masking and score suppression: Autistic women, nonbinary people, and those with high cognitive ability consistently score lower on self-report measures because of learned social camouflaging. If you score in the low or moderate range but feel a strong personal resonance with autistic traits, tell your evaluating clinician. Your subjective experience is clinical data.
Rate Each Statement
Think about your experiences across your lifetime, not just right now. How often do each of the following apply to you?
Understanding Your Results
Screener scores fall into three ranges. Here is what each range suggests — and why the number is only part of the picture.
Responses are below the typical threshold for autism spectrum traits. If you still relate strongly to autistic experiences, consider that heavy masking — consciously suppressing and hiding autistic behaviors — often lowers scores significantly. Social anxiety, ADHD, and sensory processing differences can also produce similar experiences without an ASD diagnosis.
Responses suggest several traits commonly associated with autism spectrum presentations. This range is frequently seen in late-identified adults — particularly those who developed strong coping strategies early in life. A formal evaluation is the most reliable way to determine whether ASD, ADHD, or another profile best accounts for your experiences.
Responses are consistent with significant autistic traits across multiple domains. This does not constitute a diagnosis — only a licensed clinician can diagnose ASD — but a score in this range warrants a formal evaluation. Many adults in this range find that a diagnosis, even later in life, is clarifying and opens access to targeted support.
A note on masking: Research consistently shows that autistic women, nonbinary people, and high-IQ individuals score lower on self-report screeners due to learned social camouflaging. If you score in the low or moderate range but feel a strong personal resonance with autistic experiences, share that context with your evaluating clinician — it matters more than the number.
Getting an Autism Evaluation in New York
A screener result — high or low — is a reason to explore further, not a conclusion. Here is what a formal ASD evaluation looks like in New York.
Your provider reviews your developmental history, current functioning, work and relationship patterns, and any prior diagnoses. This is the core of the evaluation — not a single test.
Validated instruments (such as the RAADS-R or ADOS-2 adapted for adults) provide structured data across social, behavioral, and sensory domains. These are used alongside the interview, not instead of it.
Social anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and sensory processing disorder can resemble or co-occur with ASD. A thorough evaluation distinguishes between them and identifies the full picture.
You receive a clear summary of findings and, if applicable, a diagnosis. From there, your provider discusses what support looks like — therapy adapted for autistic adults, medication for co-occurring conditions, workplace accommodations, and more.
ArcadiaMinds provides ASD evaluations for adults via telehealth across New York State. Most insurance plans accepted. Appointments typically available within 48 hours.