Free adult autism screening
RAADS-R: Adult Autism Screening Questionnaire
The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale–Revised is an 80-question self-report questionnaire that measures autistic traits in adults. Take it free, in your browser — your answers stay on your device.
What the RAADS-R measures
The RAADS-R was developed by Riva Ariella Ritvo and colleagues to help identify autism spectrum disorder in adults who have typical language and intellectual ability — including many people who were overlooked in childhood. It asks about your experiences across four areas:
Many items ask whether something has been true only in the past, only now, both, or never. Because autism is lifelong, the questionnaire reflects your history as well as your present experience.
Who should take the RAADS-R
It's designed for adults (18 and older) who are wondering whether they might be autistic. It may be worth taking if:
- You've long felt different in ways you couldn't quite name, especially in social settings.
- Social situations feel draining or confusing, or take conscious effort to manage.
- You have intense, focused interests, or strongly prefer routine and predictability.
- You're sensitive to sensory input — sound, light, textures, or crowds.
- You were never assessed for autism as a child, or were assessed under older criteria.
- A clinician, partner, or friend has suggested you look into autism.
The RAADS-R was validated in adults with typical IQ and language, so it suits people who have “gotten by” for years without a diagnosis. It isn't designed for young children — for a child, contact our team about age-appropriate assessment.
How to read your score
When you finish, the tool adds up your answers into a total score from 0 to 240, plus a separate score for each of the four areas.
These bands add context for the total. They aren't separately validated, so treat them as a guide rather than a verdict:
| Total score | General pattern |
|---|---|
| 0–64 | Below the screening threshold |
| 65–105 | Meets the screening threshold |
| 106–139 | Elevated trait pattern |
| 140+ | Pronounced trait pattern |
Your four domain scores show which areas contribute most to your total. The maximums differ by area — Social Relatedness up to 117, Sensory-Motor up to 60, Circumscribed Interests up to 42, and Language up to 21 — so compare each score to its own maximum, not to the others.
One important caveat: the 65 threshold is a screening guide, not a diagnosis. Some autistic people — particularly those who mask heavily — score below it. If your total is lower than you expected but the questions still describe you, that's worth discussing, and the CAT-Q may add useful context about masking.
Frequently asked questions
Does a high score mean I'm autistic?
No. A score at or above the threshold means you report enough autistic traits to make a full assessment worthwhile — not that autism is confirmed. Only a qualified clinician can make a diagnosis, after a proper evaluation.
How long does it take?
Most people finish the 80 questions in about 20 to 30 minutes. There's no time limit, and you can move at your own pace.
Is my information private?
Yes. The questionnaire runs entirely in your browser. Your answers and results stay on this page on your device — nothing is sent to us or stored anywhere unless you choose to print, save, or email your results yourself.
I scored below 65 but still relate to autism. What does that mean?
Screening tools miss some people, especially those who have learned to camouflage or “mask” their traits. A lower-than-expected score doesn't rule autism out. It can help to also take the CAT-Q, which measures masking, and to talk your results over with a clinician.
Can children take the RAADS-R?
No. The RAADS-R was designed and validated for adults 18 and older. If you're seeking an assessment for a child, please reach out to our team about age-appropriate options.
Why does it ask about my childhood?
Autism is a lifelong, developmental difference, so some items ask whether a trait was present before age 16, only now, both, or never. Comparing then and now helps paint a fuller picture than current experience alone.
What should I do with my results?
Print, save, or email them to yourself, and bring them to an appointment. Your results are most useful as a starting point for a conversation with a provider, alongside your history and goals.
How does Capstone use screening results?
We treat screeners like the RAADS-R as one starting point, reviewed alongside a full clinical evaluation with a licensed provider. A questionnaire never replaces an assessment — it helps guide the conversation.
Ready to talk it through?
If your results have you wondering about autism, our providers offer evaluations for adults across Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Oregon — in person in Mesa or by telehealth.
Related: CAT-Q masking questionnaire · Autism care at Capstone
The RAADS-R was developed by Riva Ariella Ritvo and colleagues and is used here with attribution, for free screening purposes.
Citation: Ritvo, R.A., Ritvo, E.R., Guthrie, D., Ritvo, M.J., Hufnagel, D.H., McMahon, W., Tonge, B., Mataix-Cols, D., Jassi, A., Attwood, T., & Eloff, J. (2011). The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale–Revised (RAADS-R): A scale to assist the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in adults: An international validation study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(8), 1076–1089. doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-1133-5
Provided free by Capstone Mental Health for screening purposes only.