Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)
The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) is a 27-item checklist for children and teenagers, roughly ages 7 to 16. A parent or teacher fills it in, not the child. It looks at how a young person gets on with others, how they communicate, and the habits and interests that can point toward autism.
Last Updated: 4 February, 2025
- Length: 10 minutes
- Questions: 27 questions
- Sensitivity: 83%
- Specificity: 42%
Because an adult who sees the child often, at home or in the classroom, fills it in, it can catch patterns that don't always surface in a single appointment. Treat it as a starting point, something to bring to your GP or a child psychologist, rather than a verdict on whether to seek an assessment.
Reproduced with permission from the Autism Research Centre.
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Instructions for Parents/Teachers:
Please rate the child's behavior compared to other children of the same age. Consider behaviors observed over time, not just on a single occasion.
ASSQ Online Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
The ASSQ measures various aspects of behavior associated with autism spectrum conditions, including social interaction, communication patterns, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. It helps identify children who may benefit from a more comprehensive autism evaluation.
The ASSQ has been validated with a sensitivity of 83% (ability to correctly identify those with autism) and a specificity of 42% (ability to correctly identify those without autism) according to research. While these metrics indicate the ASSQ is a useful screening tool, it should not be used alone for diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation by qualified healthcare professionals is essential for proper diagnosis.
If the screening indicates possible autism spectrum traits, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, such as your child's pediatrician or a child psychologist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and guidance on next steps.
Understanding the Results
The ASSQ uses a three-point rating scale for each item:
- Not true = 0 points
- Somewhat true = 1 point
- Certainly true = 2 points
The total score is calculated by adding up the points from all 27 items, with a maximum possible score of 54 points. Higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of autism spectrum traits being present.