Autism tests › SCQ
The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)
When concerns arise after toddlerhood — often when school makes social differences visible — the SCQ is the screening form clinicians most commonly reach for.
| Type | Screening questionnaire (not diagnostic) |
|---|---|
| Age range | 4 years and up (developmental age above 2) |
| Format | 40 yes/no questions answered by a parent/caregiver, ~10 minutes |
| Who administers | Given and scored by clinicians/psychologists (published instrument, WPS) |
| Based on | Derived from the ADI-R diagnostic interview (Rutter, Bailey & Lord) |
Two forms, two questions
- Lifetime form: asks about your child's whole developmental history, with focus on the age 4–5 window. Used to decide whether a diagnostic evaluation is warranted.
- Current form: asks about the last 3 months. Used to describe the present picture and track change — for example after support has started.
How results are read
The first question is used for branching rather than scored, so totals run 0–39. A total of 15 or above on the Lifetime form is the established referral threshold for children aged 4 and up; research has found a lower cut-off of around 11 works better for children under 4, catching more of them at the cost of more false alarms. As with every screen on this site: above the cutoff means a full evaluation is recommended — nothing more, nothing less. Below it doesn't rule autism out, particularly for children who mask at school or whose differences are subtle in questionnaire form.
Older child, new concerns? A common story: a child does fine on toddler screens, then friendship struggles, rigidity, and exhaustion after school appear at 6, 8, or 12. Late-emerging recognition is real — especially for girls — and it is never "too late" for an evaluation to be worth it. See signs in older children.
After the SCQ
An elevated score typically leads to a comprehensive evaluation with instruments like the ADOS-2 and ADI-R. For school-age children in the U.S., also request a school evaluation in writing — eligibility for school support (IEP/504) runs on its own track, parallel to any medical diagnosis.
Medical disclaimer: Educational information only. The SCQ is a published instrument of its authors and publisher. This page cannot diagnose your child; consult a qualified clinician.