The Screening Paradox (Logic Error)
For many adults, an online autism test is the first time they receive objective data that validates their internal experience. However, there is a technical paradox: while these tests are highly sensitive, they are not specific enough to act as a stand-alone diagnosis. That’s not rocket appliances.
From a data-integrity standpoint, an online test is a screening instrument. Its job is to tell you if further clinical investigation of your hardware is statistically warranted.
The Big Three: Standardized Screening Protocols
Three instruments dominate the adult screening landscape. Each measures a different facet of the autistic OS.
1. RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised)
The RAADS-R is designed specifically for adults who “escape” diagnosis in early simulation cycles. It covers four domains: Language, Social Relatedness, Sensory-Motor, and Circumscribed Interests.
- Threshold Score: 65 or higher indicates a high probability of autistic hardware.
- The Alchemist’s Note: Many autistic adults score in the 130-160 range. If your score is significantly above 65, the data suggests your neural architecture is substantially divergent from the NPC baseline.
2. AQ (Autism Spectrum Quotient)
Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen, the AQ-50 (and the shorter AQ-10) measures traits associated with the spectrum.
- Threshold Score (AQ-10): 6 or higher.
- Focus: It focuses heavily on social preferences and attention to detail.
3. CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire)
This is arguably the most important test for late-diagnosed adults, particularly women and high-masking individuals. It measures how much effort you put into hiding your autistic traits.
- Domains: Compensation, Masking, and Assimilation.
- Significance: A high CAT-Q score explains why you might have been missed by traditional assessments—you have been manually running a ‘Normal Person’ simulation at a high cognitive cost.
Interpreting the Scores: Accuracy and Probability
When you receive a score, do not view it as a binary ‘Yes/No.’ View it as a probability match.
| Test | Potential False Positive | Sensitivity | Target Demographic |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAADS-R | Low (if honest) | High | Adults (unmasked) |
| AQ-10 | Moderate | Medium | General Screening |
| CAT-Q | Low | High | High-Masking Adults |
Data Integrity Warning: Online tests rely on self-reporting. If you have been masking for decades, you may accidentally answer questions based on your mask. To get accurate data, you must answer based on your internal effort, not just your external behavior.
The Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP)
Statistical analysis shows a significant group of people who score high on screening tests but may not meet the full clinical criteria for a diagnosis. This is often referred to as the Broad Autism Phenotype.
These individuals have ‘autistic-like’ traits—such as high attention to detail or sensory sensitivities—that impact their lives but perhaps not to the level of “functional impairment” required by the DSM-5. In our framework, these individuals are still part of the neurodivergent ecosystem. Their needs for sensory regulation and strategic social planning are just as valid.
Self-Screening vs. Clinical Assessment
The primary difference between an online score and a clinical diagnosis is professional validation and external observation.
- Online Test: High convenience, zero cost, dependent on self-perception data.
- Clinical Assessment: High fidelity, high cost, includes developmental history and external observational data.
If your screening scores are consistently high across multiple instruments, you have reached ‘Initial Validation.’ You now have the right to claim an autistic identity and begin implementing accommodations, even if you never seek a formal clinical report.
Next Steps After Your Score
Once you have the data, execute the following protocol:
- Consolidate the Data: Save your test results and scores. They are the baseline for your identity rebuild.
- Analyze the High-Load Areas: Look at which sections of the tests you scored highest on. If it was ‘Sensory,’ prioritize environmental calibration. If it was ‘Social Relatedness,’ look into script packs.
- Initiate Internal Validation: Stop asking ‘Am I sure?’ and start asking ‘What does this data mean for my daily energy budget?‘
Leviticus’s Recommended Screening Protocol:
- Complete the RAADS-R first for a broad sensitivity check.
- Follow with the CAT-Q to measure your masking load.
- Cross-reference with the AQ-10 for a third data point.
- If 2 out of 3 are above the threshold, proceed to the After Adult Autism Diagnosis guide.