Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences the way people communicate, interact socially, and process information. Many adults wonder whether their unique patterns of thinking and behavior might fit within the autism spectrum. While only a trained clinician can give a formal diagnosis, self-assessment tools can help you reflect on your experiences.

One such tool is the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues. It includes everyday questions about social habits, interests, routines, and thinking styles. Let’s walk through some of the themes in the questionnaire in a simple, reader-friendly way.

1. Social Preferences and Friendships

• Do you prefer doing things alone rather than in groups?

• Do you find it hard to make new friends or join social conversations?

• Do social chitchats (like small talk) feel confusing or uninteresting?

People on the spectrum often feel more comfortable with solitude, structured interactions, or one-on-one discussions rather than large or casual social settings.

2. Communication Style

• Do others sometimes say you sound blunt or impolite, even if you didn’t mean to?

• Do you struggle to know when it’s your turn to speak in a conversation or on the phone?

• Do you often feel unsure if the listener is bored or engaged?

These challenges reflect differences in understanding social cues, tone, or conversational flow.

3. Imagination and Perspective-Taking

• Is it difficult for you to “read between the lines” of what someone says?

• Do you find it hard to guess what others are thinking or feeling just by looking at their face?

• Is pretending or imagining what it’s like to be someone else uncomfortable for you?

While some autistic people have vivid imaginations, others find perspective-taking and fiction less natural.

4. Interests and Focus

• Do you get deeply absorbed in your hobbies or special interests, sometimes losing track of time?

• Do you enjoy collecting information (dates, numbers, categories like cars, trains, or plants)?

• Do you notice small patterns or details that others miss?

Autistic individuals often have intense interests and an eye for detail, which can be a strength in many areas of life.

5. Routine and Flexibility

• Do you prefer doing things the same way each time?

• Do unexpected changes or interruptions make you anxious?

• Do you like to carefully plan your activities rather than being spontaneous?

A strong need for routine and predictability is a hallmark feature for many on the spectrum.

6. Humor and Jokes

• Do you often find yourself the last to understand the point of a joke?

• Do sarcasm and indirect hints feel puzzling at times?

This reflects how literal thinking can affect the way humor or abstract language is processed.

How to Use This Self-Assessment

• Score yourself honestly: Notice which areas you relate to strongly.

• Patterns matter more than single items: Everyone may recognize a few of these traits, but if you identify with many of them, it may suggest autistic traits.

• This is not a diagnosis: A high score only indicates that further assessment may be useful.

When to Seek Professional Support

If you recognize yourself in many of these themes and feel they significantly affect your work, relationships, or mental well-being, consider consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist. A professional evaluation can give clarity and, if needed, connect you to support and resources.

✅ Key Takeaway:
Autism isn’t about deficits—it’s about differences in how people experience the world. Reflecting on your patterns through tools like the AQ can be a first step toward self-understanding and self-acceptance.

About the Author

Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, MD (AIIMS, New Delhi), DNB, MBA (BITS Pilani)
Consultant Psychiatrist | Apollo Clinic, Velachery, Chennai
📞 8595155808

I write about mental health awareness, self-help strategies, and evidence-based psychiatry on my blog srinivasaiims.com. My goal is to make psychiatry approachable for students, professionals, and the general public.