RAADS-R Test

The RAADS-R Test is a free online implementation of the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised, a clinically validated self-report questionnaire used to screen for autism spectrum traits in adults. Built on Ritvo et al.'s 2011 peer-reviewed research and updated with Hegarty et al.'s 2025 threshold refinements, it gives adults a structured, evidence-based way to assess whether their experiences align with autism spectrum characteristics — before, or instead of, navigating a formal clinical referral.

What the test covers

The assessment runs 80 questions, each scored on a 0–3 scale for a maximum possible score of 240. What distinguishes the RAADS-R from simpler screening tools is its response format: rather than a straightforward agree/disagree, each question asks whether a trait applies now, only when you were younger than 16, both, or never. This developmental framing is intentional — it helps surface traits that may have been present in childhood but masked or compensated for in adulthood, a pattern that often leads to late or missed identification.

Results are broken down across four trait domains rather than a single total score, giving a more granular picture of where autistic characteristics are concentrated.

Score interpretation

The site uses Hegarty et al.'s 2025 refinements to define four clinically meaningful ranges. Scores below 65 have high specificity for ruling out autism. The 65–105 range is described as a gray zone: elevated scores here may reflect autism, but can also indicate ADHD, social anxiety, depression, or trauma-related conditions — all of which share overlapping traits. Scores from 106–139 are consistent with an autism spectrum profile at 81% specificity. Scores of 140 and above show a strong correlation with autism, with false positives becoming rare at that level.

This nuanced framing is more useful than a single cutoff. It acknowledges that a screening tool cannot distinguish between conditions that present similarly, and it consistently directs users toward professional evaluation rather than treating the score as a diagnosis.

Who uses it

The primary audience is adults — typically 16 and older — who are questioning whether they might be autistic and want a validated starting point. This includes people who have lived with unexplained social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, or rigid thinking patterns without a clear framework for understanding them.

The tool is also well-suited to women and others who have developed effective masking strategies over time. The RAADS-R was specifically designed to detect autism in adults who have learned to suppress or camouflage autistic behaviors, and the developmental question format helps recover signal that a surface-level assessment might miss.

People already diagnosed with ADHD or anxiety who wonder whether autism also applies represent another common use case. The gray zone score range directly addresses this overlap, flagging it as an area where professional differentiation is warranted rather than leaving users to interpret ambiguous results on their own.

Workflow and access

The test is taken entirely in-browser with no account creation or payment required. Questions are presented one at a time, with a progress indicator tracking completion across all 80 items. Results are calculated and displayed immediately after the final question.

The format is straightforward enough to complete in 10–20 minutes, which makes it a practical first step before pursuing a formal evaluation — particularly given that clinical autism assessments often involve long waitlists and significant cost.

Limitations worth knowing

The RAADS-R is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A high score does not confirm autism, and a low score does not rule it out with certainty. Self-report measures are inherently subject to response bias, and current mental health state — anxiety, depression, stress — can influence how questions are answered.

The 65–105 range carries the most interpretive uncertainty. Users scoring in this band are explicitly advised to seek professional evaluation rather than drawing conclusions from the score alone, which is the appropriate guidance given the overlap with other neurodivergent and mental health conditions.

The test is free with no stated usage limits, and no premium tier is advertised for the core assessment.