Dr. Danish’s Adult Autism Screening Tool

Dr. Danish’s Adult Autism Screening Tool (#4)

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This tool helps identify behaviors consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is divided into three core domains based on DSM-5 criteria:

• Social Communication & Interaction (Section A)

• Restricted & Repetitive Behaviors and Interests (Section B)

• Sensory Sensitivities (Section C)

There are 35 statements in total. For each one, select:

• True if the statement mostly describes you

• False if it does not

This screening is not a diagnostic test. A high number of “True” responses suggests the need for a

professional evaluation.

Section A: Social Communication & Interaction

These statements describe challenges with conversation, understanding social cues, and building relationships.

1. I have trouble starting or keeping a conversation going, especially if it’s not about one of my favorite topics.

True

False

2. I often don’t know the right way to respond when someone tells me about their feelings.

True

False

3. When I’m upset, I usually don’t seek comfort from others, and I feel unsure how to comfort someone who is upset.

True

False

4. People sometimes say I was rude or inappropriate, even when I didn’t mean to be.

True

False

5. I rarely share my excitement or achievements with others (for example, I might not tell someone when I’m proud about something).

True

False

6. I find it challenging to do activities that require cooperating or taking turns with others.

True

False

7. I tend to avoid making eye contact when I’m talking with someone.

True

False

8. I have a hard time reading other people’s body language or facial expressions.

True

False

9. I often miss hints or subtle cues in conversation – for instance, not realizing when someone is joking or being sarcastic.

True

False

10. I find it difficult to imagine someone else’s perspective or to guess what another person might be thinking.

True

False

11. I often prefer to do things alone rather than spend time in a large group of people.

True

False

12. I find it difficult to make new friends or to keep up existing friendships.

True

False

13. I tend to act the same way in different social situations and struggle to adjust my behavior depending on the setting.

True

False

14. As a child, I rarely played “pretend” or make-believe games like other children did.

True

False

15. I’m not very good at imitating other people’s actions or behaviors.

True

False

16. I tend to take things literally, so I often don’t get jokes or figurative expressions.

True

False

Section B: Restricted & Repetitive Behaviors & Interests

These items focus on behaviors that are repetitive, inflexible, or unusually intense.

17. I sometimes make repetitive movements like hand-flapping or rocking, especially when I’m excited or stressed.

True

False

18. I often use objects in unusual ways (for example, lining things up or focusing on parts of an object instead of using the whole object)

True

False

19. I often repeat certain words, phrases, or movie lines in conversation (sometimes even much later).

True

False

20. People have told me that my speaking voice or style is odd (for instance, very monotone or overly formal for a normal conversation).

True

False

21. I prefer to keep the same daily routine and get very upset if unexpected changes disrupt it.

True

False

22. I have certain rituals or habits that I feel I must do the same way every time.

True

False

23. I can be very rigid in my habits or beliefs – I follow rules strictly and get upset if others don’t or if plans suddenly change.

True

False

24. I have a very narrow range of interests or hobbies that I focus on intensely.

True

False

25. Some of my interests are very unusual or extremely specific (for example, knowing every fact about a particular obscure topic).

True

False

26. I often talk so much about my favorite topic that I don’t notice if others are bored or trying to change the subject.

True

False

27. I get very upset or anxious if I’m not able to pursue one of my special interests.

True

False

28. I tend to do certain things over and over, like watching the same movie or reading the same book repeatedly.

True

False

29. I have had strong attachments to specific objects (such as a particular toy or item) and would get upset if I couldn’t have them.

True

False

30. I often notice small details, patterns, or changes that others might not notice.

True

False

Section C: Sensory Sensitivities

This section covers both over-sensitivity and under-sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, or other sensations, as well as unusual sensory behaviors

31. I am very sensitive to certain sounds or bright lights – they can overwhelm me or make me very uncomfortable.

True

False

32. I am very sensitive to certain textures or food tastes; for example, I might avoid wearing some fabrics or eating foods with particular textures.

True

False

33. I often don’t notice sensations like pain or temperature changes until they become intense (e.g., I might not realize I’ve been hurt right away).

True

False

34. I sometimes seek out strong sensory experiences, like listening to very loud music or eating extremely spicy foods.

True

False

35. I have some unusual sensory habits, such as sniffing objects, watching moving things like a fan spin, or touching surfaces because I like the sensation.

True

False