The RAADS-R test is a specialized instrument designed to assist in the diagnosis of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Here are answers to common questions.
It stands for Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised. It is designed to identify adult autistics who may have escaped diagnosis in childhood.
No. The RAADS-R test is a screening tool. While it is clinically validated and highly accurate, only a qualified professional can provide a formal diagnosis.
A high score indicates a strong likelihood of being on the autism spectrum. It suggests that your traits and experiences align with those common in autistic adults.
The RAADS-R is the full 80-question assessment providing a comprehensive profile of autistic traits. The RAADS-14 is a shortened 14-question version derived from the RAADS-R, designed as a quick screening tool. If you are short on time, start with RAADS-14. For a deep dive, take the RAADS-R.
No. We value your privacy. Your responses are processed locally in your browser to calculate the score. We do not store your personal answers or results on our servers.
The RAADS-R is specifically validated for adults (age 16+). It asks about childhood experiences from an adult's retrospective perspective. It may not be suitable for children.
Research shows it has high reliability and validity. However, no self-test is perfect. It is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one.
Yes. Conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or OCD can share symptoms with autism. A professional can help distinguish between them.
Autism is lifelong. Adults often learn to 'mask' traits. Childhood questions help reveal innate traits before coping mechanisms were developed.
Try to answer to the best of your ability or ask family. If unsure, focus on your general sense of how you felt growing up.
Usually, no. Schools and workplaces require a formal diagnosis. This report can help you advocate for a formal assessment.
It is uncommon, but possible if questions are misunderstood or if other conditions are present. It serves as a flag for further investigation.
No. It means you have a high level of autistic traits. Only a qualified clinician can confirm a diagnosis.
All scores of 65 or higher are indicative of autistic traits. The higher the score, the more autistic traits you have. In the table below are general interpretations of various total scores on the RAADS-R.
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 25 | You are not autistic. |
| 50 | Some autistic traits, but likely not autistic (yet some autistic people score as low as 44). |
| 65 | The minimum score at which autism is considered. |
| 90 | Stronger indications of autism, although non-autistics may score as high. |
| 130 | The mean score of autistic people; strong evidence for autism. |
| 160 | Very strong evidence for autism. |
| 227 | The maximum score autistic people acquired in Ritvo's seminal paper on the RAADS-R. [1] |
| 240 | The maximum possible RAADS-R score. |