The RAADS-R: A Guide

Getting assessed for autism can be intimidating—and often inaccessible. Self-assessment tools are popular ways to bridge the gap between uncertainty and diagnosis, allowing individuals to explore their traits on their own time. The RAADS-R is one screening tool that can help those wondering whether they might be autistic gain valuable insight and direction in lieu of a formal diagnosis.

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The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale–Revised (RAADS-R) is a self-assessment tool designed to evaluate adults for traits associated with level 1 autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Level 1 autism was previously referred to as Asperger’s Syndrome, and is one of the three levels of autism support needs laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Individuals with level 1 autism require the least support of these three groups, and can often function independently with some support. People with level 1 autism are the most likely to enter adulthood undiagnosed.

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The RAADS-R, introduced in 2011, is a revision of the 2008 RAADS. It was modified to make the assessment more comprehensive and to clarify the wording of some items. The RAADS-14 is an abridged, 14-question version of the RAADS-R.

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The RAADS-R test is often self-administered, but clinicians may also administer the RAADS-R to determine whether a patient should be referred for assessment.

The RAADS-R consists of 80 prompts that assess for the following traits associated with autism spectrum disorder:

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• Social relatedness (39 items)
  
  • Refers to how a person relates to others, including social skills and emotional reciprocity
• Circumscribed interests (14 items)
  
  • Refers to how limited a person’s interests are and how much they talk about them
• Language (7 items)
  
  • Refers to a person’s use of language from media (movies, TV, etc), preference for literal language and comfort with small talk
• Sensory motor (20 items)
  
  • Refers to a person’s sensory sensitivity and sensory experiences, stimming behaviors, differences in speech patterns and motor control

The RAADS-R consists of 80 items, and typically takes up to 15 minutes to complete. For each prompt on the RAADS-R, you can choose one of four responses:

• True now and when I was young
• True now only
• True only when I was younger than 16
• Never true

The RAADS-R was designed for individuals who are:

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• Over the age of 16,
• Have, or suspect they might have, level 1 autism and
• Do not have an intellectual disability.

The RAADS-R test is scored out of a possible 240 points, with the lowest possible score being zero. Each item corresponds to between zero and three points. The threshold score is 65, meaning a total score of 65 or higher indicates potential autism. Higher scores indicate a greater alignment with potential autistic traits. The threshold scores for each category of traits are:

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• Social relatedness: 31
• Circumscribed interests: 15
• Language: 4
• Sensory motor: 16

Research shows the RAADS-R is a fairly reliable screening tool, though it is still not a diagnostic tool. The RAADS-R has been shown to have a specificity of 100%, meaning no neurotypical individuals in the research scored above the threshold score. It also has a sensitivity of 97%, meaning a small proportion of autistic individuals score below the threshold.

Though the RAADS-R cannot provide a diagnosis, it can be a valuable tool for adults wondering whether they might be autistic. Taking the RAADS-R can affirm a person’s desire to seek a formal autism diagnosis, which may ultimately lead them to find appropriate support. It may also validate an individual’s self-diagnosis if they choose not to pursue a formal assessment.

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Diagnoses aside, self-assessment tools can also be a great way for a person to gain a deeper understanding of their characteristics and expand their self-awareness. This can be personally rewarding, and a meaningful part of many people’s mental health journeys.

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The RAADS-R is also the only autism self-assessment explicitly geared towards adults with level 1 autism (although the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire, or CAT-Q, is also intended for a subsection of this group). Some individuals find that taking the RAADS-R in addition to other self-assessment tools, like the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), provides a fuller picture and captures traits that may not be accounted for by the AQ alone.

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Some research also suggests that autistic women may score higher on the RAADS-R than autistic men, unlike the AQ, where the reverse is true. This may make the RAADS-R a meaningful companion test to the AQ for women exploring whether they might be autistic.

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Criticisms of the RAADS-R

The RAADS-R has been criticized for lack of nuance and stereotyping autism. Items like “I like to have close friends” (a “non-symptomatic” question) or “I am considered a compassionate type of person” lean on reductive, stereotyped characterizations of autistic people as cold and unfeeling. Critics have pointed out that these prompts hone in on traits that are not actually true for many autistic people, and can feel hurtful to read.

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Additionally, as with any self-assessment tool, the RAADS-R is limited in scope. It is not a dynamic or comprehensive evaluation, unlike a formal diagnostic interview, where a clinician can explore an individual’s experiences more deeply. Some autistic people also struggle to report on their own traits and experiences, and a clinician specialized in working with autistic adults can ask follow-up questions to help a patient answer questions fully, while a survey cannot.

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You’ve taken the test—what’s next?

If you would like to discuss your RAADS-R score with someone, or talk to a clinician about a formal autism assessment, Prosper Health can help. Our clinicians are highly experienced in working with autistic adults, and our assessments are 100% telehealth and covered by insurance.

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Prosper Health also offers talk therapy for those looking for ongoing support. Our therapists specialize in supporting autistic adults through the many challenges they may experience, including but not limited to unpacking a new diagnosis or making the decision to seek a diagnosis.

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Regardless of where you are and what support you are looking for, Prosper Health can help. Click the button below to get started.