ASDQ
Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire
Instructions: Please rate how often you or your child (depending on who is being screened) experience the following behaviors.
0 = Never | 1 = Rarely | 2 = Sometimes | 3 = Often | 4 = Always
Social Communication & Interaction
Difficulty starting or keeping a conversation going.
Uses "scripts" from movies or books rather than their own words.
Has trouble understanding what others are feeling.
Doesn't pick up on social cues (like when someone wants to leave).
Uses a monotone voice or unusual rhythm when speaking.
Has trouble making or keeping friends.
Avoids eye contact or uses eye contact in an unusual way.
Prefers to play or work alone rather than with others.
Takes things very literally (struggles with sarcasm or metaphors).
Doesn't share interests or achievements with others.
Restricted & Repetitive Behaviors
Lines up toys or objects rather than playing with them.
Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins in circles.
Repeats words or phrases out of context (echolalia).
Has very specific, intense interests (e.g., trains, weather, maps).
Needs to follow the exact same route when traveling.
Gets very upset if a small part of their routine changes.
Has rituals that must be performed "just right."
Focuses on parts of objects (like the spinning wheels of a car).
Shows extreme distress over transitions between activities.
Sensory & Motor
Sensitive to certain sounds (covers ears).
Bothered by the texture of certain clothes or foods.
Smells or tastes non-food objects.
Seems indifferent to pain or temperature.
Fascinated by moving lights or reflections.
Appears clumsy or has trouble with fine motor tasks.
Seems to have an unusual posture or way of walking.
Social Anxiety & Behavioral Regulation
Gets extremely anxious in new social situations.
Has "meltdowns" or "shutdowns" when overwhelmed.
Has trouble "switching gears" from one task to another.
Becomes fixated on a thought and can't let it go.
Seems to lack a sense of danger.
Has trouble regulating emotions (crying or laughing at odd times).
Struggles to understand the "unwritten rules" of a room.
Avoids busy environments (malls, parties, loud restaurants).
Needs significant downtime after being social.
Struggles to plan or organize complex tasks.
Has a very high attention to detail that others miss.
Notices patterns that others don't see.
Experiences "burnout" after trying to act "normal" in social settings.
How to Score
The ASDQ is used to look at "dimensions" rather than a simple "yes/no" diagnosis. High scores (3s and 4s) across multiple categories may indicate that your brain processes the world in a neurodivergent way.
Important: If you are in immediate distress or having thoughts of hurting yourself, please reach out for support. You are not alone, and help is available 24/7.
Call or Text: Dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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Credits & Citations
Source: Frazier, T. W., et al. (2023). Development and Validation of the Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. No changes were made to the core content.
