Measuring autistic traits in the general population: a systematic review of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) in a nonclinical population sample of 6,900 typical adult males and females.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review of observational/cross-sectional studies (non-randomized data)
PubMed 25874074 · doi:10.1186/2040-2392-6-2
What was done
A systematic literature search of computerized databases was conducted to identify studies administering the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) to nonclinical general adult population samples. Studies were selected using formal criteria evaluating study quality, proper AQ usage, and assessed population. Data from 73 articles—comprising 6,934 nonclinical participants and 1,963 matched clinical cases of autism spectrum conditions (ASC) from available cohorts—were extracted and synthesized.
What was found
The mean AQ score for the nonclinical population was 16.94 (95% CI 11.6, 20.0). For the clinical ASC population, the mean AQ score was 35.19 (95% CI 27.6, 41.1). A sex difference in autistic traits was present in the nonclinical population, whereas no sex difference in AQ scores was seen in the clinical ASC population.
Why it matters
This review establishes empirical reference norms for the AQ across adult populations with and without ASC. These benchmark values provide a standardized reference for future research evaluating autistic traits in diverse clinical and nonclinical groups.
Limits
The findings are constrained by potential recruitment bias and methodological heterogeneity across the included primary studies. Specific numerical values for the reported sex differences are not provided in the abstract, and the tool relies entirely on self-report.
Cited by
- supports Autistic-like traits can be quantified in non-diagnosed individuals using standardized questionnaires.