RAADS-R vs AQ vs CAT-Q: which autism screener shows what?
A plain-English comparison of common autism screeners and how pysiQ uses trait areas to make results easier to understand across social, sensory, routine, attention, emotional, and masking patterns.
RAADS-R, AQ, and CAT-Q answer different questions
People often take several autism screeners and end up with numbers that are hard to compare. The RAADS-R, AQ, and CAT-Q each emphasize different aspects of autism-related experience, including autistic traits, social communication, and camouflaging.
- RAADS-R is often used for adult autism-related traits
- AQ focuses on autistic traits across several areas
- CAT-Q focuses on masking and camouflaging
- No online screener can diagnose autism
Why pysiQ focuses on trait areas
A total score can hide the pattern. pysiQ organizes answers into domains so you can see whether your strongest signals are sensory, social, routine-related, detail-focused, emotionally intense, or linked to masking.
- Easier to understand than a single number
- Useful when comparing autism, ADHD, anxiety, or trauma explanations
- Gives a clearer structure for notes or reflection
- Built for self-understanding, not diagnosis
How to use your results responsibly
Use screener results as a prompt for reflection and conversation. If your traits affect daily life or have been present since childhood, consider discussing them with a qualified professional.
Take the autism trait breakdown test
Map your profile across social communication, sensory processing, routines, emotional intensity, focused interests, and masking.