Basso53 wrote:
IMO, the RAADS-R is a more accurate self-test tool. The problem with the AQ is that many older people develop social and communication skills by repeated learning, outgrow their motor skills deficiencies (some NT children are just clumsy, after all), and adapt to sensory issues, which IMO skewers their answers. RAADS-R tests for autistic traits that testees only experienced before age 16.
Tests of autistic traits based on DSM do not get any better because they ask people how they were before age 16. Besides, how accurate is a typical 50 year olds memories of the state at 16? Not very, and especially not if they are autistic as well.
The way to do a test for autistic traits / neurodiversity is to use preferences and traits that are not modified so much by learning, and even if they are modified, people will still know their natural preferences. That also means you need to ask for the basic traits, and not their effects.