Struggling to understand which autism test is best for you or your loved one? In 2025, the landscape of autism assessment is richer—and more confusing—than ever. This guide breaks down the major autism tests, their pros and cons, and helps you pick the right fit with an easy flowchart.
Below are the most commonly used autism assessments for adults, children, and teens. For full guides, see our in-depth articles linked below.
| Test | Pros | Cons | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADOS-2 |
|
| ADOS Test Guide |
| AQ Test |
|
| AQ Test Guide |
| CARS |
|
| CARS Test Guide |
| M-CHAT |
|
| M-CHAT Guide |
| ASRS |
|
| ASRS Test Guide |
| ADI-R |
|
| ADI-R Guide |
| Online Self-Tests |
|
| Autism Self-Test |
Use this quick decision tree to find the best starting point for autism assessment in 2025:
No, online tests cannot provide a clinical diagnosis. They’re useful for initial screening and self-awareness, but a formal diagnosis requires professional assessment using standardized tools like ADOS-2 or ADI-R.
For formal diagnosis, ADOS-2 (Module 4) is considered the gold standard. For initial screening, the AQ (Autism Quotient) is widely used and accessible online.
Accuracy varies by test. Clinical assessments like ADOS-2 have high sensitivity and specificity when administered by trained professionals. Screening tools are designed to cast a wider net and may produce false positives.
Costs vary widely. Online screening tools are often free. Professional evaluations can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the comprehensiveness and your location. Insurance coverage varies.
Tool Type Age Range Administration Time Administrator Format Key Features Strengths Limitations Diagnostic Value ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition) Observational assessment All ages (includes modules for different developmental levels) 30-60 minutes Trained...
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ToolTypeAge RangeAdministration TimeAdministratorFormatKey FeaturesStrengthsLimitationsDiagnostic ValueADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition)Observational assessmentAll ages (includes modules…
The Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2) is a comprehensive tool used for assessing autism…
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