CYP Autism Traits and Profile Questionnaire (ATPQ™ 6-18 years)

CYP Autism Traits and Profile Questionnaire (ATPQ™ 6-18 years)

This tool is based on an adapted version of the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ), revised to include traits often masked or internalised. The total score (0–66) reflects the frequency and breadth of autistic traits, but does not confirm a diagnosis. Higher scores suggest the need for further assessment, particularly when combined with observed difficulties in daily life.
Full Name

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth

DayMonthYear
Date
Biological Gender
Name of Person Completing This Form

First NameLast Name
Relationship to Child/Young Person
Email (for Results)
example@example.com
Date of completion

DayMonthYear
Date
Please consider how often the young person shows each trait compared to peers of a similar age. Choose the option that best fits: No, Sometimes, or Yes.
Subscale 1: Thinking and Interests
Enjoys learning deeply about specific topics and may prefer to focus on these
Has a unique way of thinking that might seem quirky or different to others
Understands things literally and may find jokes, sarcasm, or metaphors confusing
Often remembers detailed facts but may not always understand the bigger picture
Tends to notice things others miss and may prefer logical or structured information
Subscale 2: Communication and Social Understanding
Uses formal, expressive, or unique language styles
Might speak in a tone or rhythm that sounds different to others
Sometimes uses made-up words or phrases
May say things that seem blunt, overly honest, or out of context
Struggles to adjust communication style based on who they’re speaking to
Finds it hard to read social cues like facial expressions or tone of voice
May want friendships but struggle with building or maintaining them
Prefers socialising in specific ways or only with certain people
May not have a close “best friend” but might enjoy being around others
May appear less emotionally responsive, even though they care deeply
Subscale 3: Sensory and Motor Differences
Makes sounds or movements without meaning to (e.g. clearing throat, grunting)
Has unusual facial expressions or ways of moving
Finds certain textures, lights, or noises very uncomfortable or distracting
May be physically awkward or uncoordinated during games or movement tasks
Subscale 4: Regulation and Routines
Likes routines and may get upset when things change unexpectedly
Repeats actions, thoughts, or words to feel calm or in control
Feels strongly connected to particular objects or items
Can become very focused on tasks, sometimes losing track of time or surroundings
Subscale 5: Emotional Experience and Masking
Might be bullied or left out by other children
Can appear highly capable in some areas and struggle significantly in others
May not always use “common sense” in everyday situations
Can find everyday tasks difficult due to overthinking or needing things to feel “just right”
Tries hard to copy or mimic others in social situations
Feels exhausted or overwhelmed after spending time with others
Appears calm or “fine” at school but may melt down at home
Feels others’ emotions strongly or takes on their distress
Tries hard to follow rules or be “perfect” to avoid criticism
Struggles to talk about their feelings, even when upset
Avoids asking for help to avoid seeming different
Gets anxious about making mistakes or letting people down
Pushes through discomfort to meet expectations, then crashes later
Worries more about how they are seen by others than they show
ABC Mental Health Support Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and fully complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. All personal data is collected, processed, and stored lawfully, securely, and confidentially.
Developed by the neurodivergent team at ABC Mental Health Support Ltd. Do not copy or distribute without permission.
For Clinician Use Only
Subscale 1: Thinking and Interests (5 items)
Subscale 2: Communication and Social Understanding (10 items)
Subscale 3: Sensory and Motor Differences (4 items)
Subscale 4: Regulation and Routines (4 items)
Subscale 5: Emotional Experience and Masking (10 items)
Total Score
Score Range Interpretation (Guide Only)

0–20 Few traits associated with autism
21–35 Moderate number of traits – consider further exploration
36–50 High number of traits – likely warrants professional evaluation
51–66 Very high number of traits – strong indication of neurodivergence
Scoring System

The CYP Autism Traits and Profile Questionnaire (ATPQ) includes 33 items. Each item is scored as follows:

• No = 0
• Sometimes = 1
• Yes = 2

The maximum total score is 66. Subscales are grouped into five domains to provide further insight into individual profiles, particularly in relation to traits that are often internalised or masked.

Recommended Score Ranges (Guidance Only)
These ranges are not diagnostic cutoffs but can help guide professional judgement:

• 0–20: Few traits typically associated with autism
• 21–35: Moderate number of traits – consider further exploration
• 36–50: High number of traits – likely warrants professional evaluation
• 51–66: Very high number of traits – strong indication of neurodivergence

Subscale Interpretation Guidance (Optional for Reports)

In addition to the total score, the ATPQ groups items into five subscales to highlight specific areas of strength and vulnerability. These ranges are intended as guidance only and should be interpreted in context.

Subscale 1: Thinking & Interests (max 10)

0–3: Few differences in style of learning or focus
4–6: Moderate differences, may show strong interests or detail focus
7–10: High level of focused or specialist interests, preference for structure

Subscale 2: Communication & Social Understanding (max 20)

0–6: Few communication/social differences
7–12: Moderate differences, may need some support in social contexts
13–20: High differences; may mask, misread cues, or struggle to adapt socially

Subscale 3: Sensory & Motor Differences (max 8)

0–2: Few sensory/motor differences
3–5: Moderate sensory sensitivities or movement differences
6–8: High level of sensory sensitivities, may significantly affect daily life

Subscale 4: Regulation & Routines (max 8)

0–2: Few differences in flexibility or regulation
3–5: Moderate need for routine, may find change stressful
6–8: High need for predictability; may become distressed by unexpected change

Subscale 5: Emotional Experience & Masking (max 20)

0–6: Few differences in emotional experience/masking
7–12: Moderate masking or emotional regulation differences
13–20: High masking and emotional cost; may present as capable while struggling internally, with risk of burnout

The Autism Traits and Profile Questionnaire (ATPQ) was developed by ABC Mental Health Support and is an updated tool inspired by the original ASSQ, expanded to reflect a broader and more inclusive range of autistic traits. It includes both observable behaviours and internalised or masked experiences, making it suitable for individuals who may not fit traditional autism profiles. Scores reflect the range and frequency of traits but do not constitute a diagnosis. Results should be considered alongside contextual observations and professional judgement.

Summary of Supporting Research
- Gould, J., & Ashton-Smith, J. (2011). Missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis? Girls and women on the autism spectrum. Good Autism Practice, 12(1), 34-41.
- Lai, M. C., et al. (2015). Gender differences in autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 54(1), 30–39.
- Hull, L., et al. (2017). Development and validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(3), 819–833.
- Milner, V., et al. (2019). A qualitative exploration of the female autism phenotype. Autism, 23(6), 1365–1377.
- Kreiser, N. L., & White, S. W. (2014). ASD in females: Are we overstating the gender difference? Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 17(1), 67–84.
Should be Empty:

CYP Autism Traits and Profile Questionnaire (ATPQ™ 6-18 years)

Please consider how often the young person shows each trait compared to peers of a similar age. Choose the option that best fits: No, Sometimes, or Yes.

Subscale 1: Thinking and Interests

Subscale 2: Communication and Social Understanding

Subscale 3: Sensory and Motor Differences

Subscale 4: Regulation and Routines

Subscale 5: Emotional Experience and Masking

ABC Mental Health Support Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and fully complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. All personal data is collected, processed, and stored lawfully, securely, and confidentially.

For Clinician Use Only

Score Range Interpretation (Guide Only)