The RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised) questionnaire is one of the most comprehensive screening tools for assessing autistic traits in adults. Unlike shorter questionnaires like the AQ, the RAADS-R includes 80 questions and examines four different domains - providing a richer and more detailed picture. On this page, you will find a full explanation, an interactive Hebrew version that you can complete right here, and an immediate result with a breakdown by domain.

What is the RAADS-R questionnaire and how does it work?

The RAADS-R was developed by Dr. Riva Ariella Ritvo and her colleagues and published in 2011. It was originally designed as a tool administered by a professional in a clinical setting to aid in the diagnosis of Autism in adults with average or above-average intelligence - especially those who "slipped under the radar" in childhood. The questionnaire includes 80 statements, and for each statement, you choose the answer that best describes you over time.

What exactly does the questionnaire measure?

The uniqueness of the RAADS-R is that it divides the traits into four domains (subscales):

  • Social Relatedness (39 items) - understanding and social communication, reading cues and interpersonal situations.
  • Language (7 items) - verbal comprehension, figurative expressions, and language use.
  • Sensory-Motor (20 items) - sensory sensitivities, movement, and coordination.
  • Circumscribed Interests (14 items) - intensity of Special Interests, routines, and focus on details.

This division allows you to see not only an overall score but also in which domains the traits are more prominent.

How is the score calculated?

Unlike "agree/disagree" questionnaires, in the RAADS-R, each question is also examined on a timeline. For each statement, there are four options: "True now and when I was young," "True only now," "True only when I was younger than 16," and "Never true." For most statements, an answer indicating an autistic trait throughout life earns 3 points, and a "never" answer earns 0. Seventeen "normative" statements are scored in reverse. The total score ranges from 0 to 240. There is no need to calculate anything - the interactive tool below does it for you and displays the result immediately.

How to interpret the results?

The main reference point is a threshold of 65 points. A score of 65 or higher indicates, according to research, the possible presence of autistic traits that warrant professional evaluation. In the original study, approximately 97% of participants diagnosed with Autism scored above the threshold, and no neurotypical person crossed it. The tool below will show you exactly where your score stands in relation to the threshold, and will also break it down by the four domains.

What the RAADS-R questionnaire cannot tell you?

Although comprehensive, the RAADS-R is a screening tool - not a diagnosis. It is especially important to remember that it was designed to be administered with the accompaniment of a professional; self-completion alone can skew the result one way or another, especially for people who have learned to Mask their traits. A high score is not a diagnosis, and a low score does not rule out Autism. Only a professional evaluation process, which takes into account a full developmental history, can determine a diagnosis.

Ready to complete? The full questionnaire appears here, and the result will be displayed immediately upon completion and is not saved anywhere:

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What to do with the result?

You received a score - now what? Remember that this is a starting point, not a verdict. If the result sparked your curiosity or resonated with life experiences, here are some directions:

  • Look at the breakdown by domain. Sometimes the overall score is less important than the picture: one very prominent domain can be an important guide for you.
  • Gather more information. It is worthwhile to complete additional questionnaires (AQ, EQ, CAT-Q) to gain a broad perspective.
  • Document examples. Write down concrete situations from life - this is valuable material if you choose to seek an evaluation.
  • Consider contacting a professional. If the feeling of being different has accompanied you for a long time, a professional diagnosis can bring clarity, language, and tools.

The four assessment domains in the RAADS-R questionnaire

The RAADS-R questionnaire examines autistic traits in four domains: Social Relatedness (reading social cues, forming relationships, and understanding unwritten expectations), Circumscribed Interests (deep and focused interest, routines, and preference for consistency), Language (verbal comprehension and interpretation of figurative expressions and sarcasm), and Sensory-Motor Functioning (Hyper Sensitivity or Hyposensitivity to stimuli, and Stimming). Each item is examined in relation to childhood and adulthood, to reflect that Autism accompanies the person throughout life.

Limitations of the questionnaire and the clinical context

The questionnaire was developed to be administered with the accompaniment of a professional and not just as self-report, and therefore self-completion provides a direction and not a diagnosis. The accepted threshold in research is a score of 65 or higher, but a high score does not determine a diagnosis and a low score does not rule it out, especially when Masking is present. In addition, overlap with anxiety, ADHD, or trauma can affect the answers. Therefore, it is appropriate to treat the result as a tool for self-reflection and for an informed conversation with a professional.

To read about what happens after a screening questionnaire, see the guide Adult Autism Assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a score above 65 mean I am autistic?

No. A score above the threshold indicates the possible presence of autistic traits and warrants professional evaluation, but it is not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can diagnose.

I scored below 65 - so I'm definitely not on the spectrum?

Not necessarily. A low score does not rule out Autism, especially for people who have learned to Mask their traits. If the feeling persists, it is advisable to consult a professional.

How long does it take to complete the questionnaire?

Approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The questionnaire includes 80 questions, and the result is displayed immediately upon completion.

What is the difference between RAADS-R and AQ?

The AQ is shorter (50 questions) and intended for quick initial screening. The RAADS-R is more comprehensive (80 questions), examines four domains separately, and was designed to accompany a clinical diagnostic process.

Are my results saved?

No. All calculations are performed in your browser, and the result is not sent or saved anywhere.

Want to better understand your profile?

One questionnaire is only part of the picture. These are complementary tools that may interest you:

Sources

  • Ritvo, R. A., et al. (2011). The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(8), 1076-1089. doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-1133-5