AQ score below 26

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Perfect analogy, SOC Just perfect!

The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) (Adult) screening test's threshold has changed a few times since its first publication (originally, the threshold was set at a test score of 32, then lowered to a test score of 26). According to a worldwide validation survey of the test, more than 6,900 test scores appear to have changed the threshold to 35.19 (or, maybe, 36) as of Jan. 14, 2015 ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4396128/ ).

I say "appear" because I haven't found confirmation from the University of Cambridge Autism Research Centre that the threshold has changed from its previous scores. The threshold of 36 wouldn't apply to the Autism Spectrum Quotient - 10 items (AQ-10) (Adult), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) (Adolescent), Autism Spectrum Quotient - 10 items (AQ-10) (Adolescent) or Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) (Child) for obvious reasons.

Back when I was 16, it was that most aspies scored around 35. Then it was around 33 and then it was if you scored 30 or up, AS is a possibility. Now it's 32, before it has been a 33. Now 26-31 is borderline and still a possibility for autism while 32 and up is autism likely. So yes it has changed. On Reddit, someone posted about their results they got back from the test and they even included the AQ test in it and their cut off was a 33 so I guess any score below it would mean no autism and my question would be what if someone scored above the cut off in some of the tests and below the cut off in other tests? I wonder what their results would be for the patient if their results were inconsistent?

Yep. That has been my experience. Given that the AQ test is many years old, isn't it time for the Autism Research Centre to finalize a threshold score?

I'm going to fourth that what that psychologist said is nonsense, most psychologists don't know that much about autism, you need to find a specialist. I also think the test might be BS. Well, I know a woman who scored like a 49 on the AQ yet her psychologist said she isn't autistic, so SOMEONE must be wrong.

EDIT: Took the test again, this time I got a 19. Yes, I'm diagnosed as autistic.

I just took the test and scored a 36. The result seemed pretty accurate for me. This is the first time I have taken it since my diagnosis. I took it twice a year and a half before my diagnosis and scored 29. I answered the questions the same way so I think the scoring has changed since the last time I took it. Both this time and the last times it said that I was likely Autistic/Aspergian which I am.

Could you please tell me what are your main issues/symptoms caused by Asperger?

One key things is I used to display more classical autistic traits in the past eg. a couple years a go I got a 27, and if I were to do it a several years before that I probably would have scored higher, more in the average AS range. Nowadays my main problems are with executive functioning, which for some reason isn't part of the official criteria, but is very much a trait of autism (really I think it's the underlying cause of the disorder). Beyond that it's hard to describe exactly what the traits are, but it's enough that I come across as "quirky", but it's clearly the result of being on the spectrum. I also do have some stims, sensory sensitivity, and intense interests, but they aren't at all disabling nowadays. In the past I wouldn't make eye contact, couldn't hold a conversation, and often had meltdowns due to emotional problems, but I've gotten much better at all of those with practice. I still have some social problems, but I've gotten to the point I'm better at the people thing than many NTs.

I had not heard of the test but found and took it online after reading your post and got a 39. However, if I had taken the test when I was younger (say in my 20s or 30s) when I enjoyed socializing more, it would have been much lower.