Understanding YourRAADS-R ScoreWhat Your Results Actually Mean
This guide explains what RAADS-R score ranges mean, where the 65 cutoff and the newer 106 and 140 thresholds come from, and what the research says about accuracy. No score confirms or rules out autism.
How accurate is the RAADS-R?
At the cutoff of 65, the original 2011 validation study reported 97% sensitivity and 100% specificity in 779 adults (201 autistic and 578 comparison participants). These figures describe classification within that selected study sample, not the probability that any individual is or is not autistic. Later studies in clinical populations found far more false positives.
References: Ritvo et al. (2011), Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 41(8):1076-1089 · Jones et al. (2021), Autism Research and Treatment 2021:9974791 · Conner et al. (2019), Autism in Adulthood 1(1):60-68 · Hegarty, Buchanan & Baker (2025), NovoPsych technical report.
How RAADS-R Interpretation Has Changed
The 65 cutoff comes from one validation study. Later research in people referred for assessment found it much less specific, and a 2025 technical report proposed additional thresholds.
2011 Validation Study
Ritvo et al. gave the RAADS-R to 779 adults at nine centers in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia: 201 with established autism diagnoses and 578 comparison participants. At the cutoff of 65, 195 of 201 autistic participants scored at or above 65 (97% sensitivity) and all 578 comparison participants scored below it (100% specificity).
Later Clinical Samples
Studies of adults referred for autism assessment did not reproduce those results. In Jones et al. (2021), 49 of 50 referred adults scored above 65, giving 100% sensitivity but only 3.03% specificity. In Conner et al. (2019), a 93-person outpatient sample, the 65 cutoff gave 65% sensitivity and 44% specificity. ADHD, anxiety, depression and trauma can all raise scores.
2025 NovoPsych Technical Report
NovoPsych analyzed 63,209 RAADS-R records from clinical settings, including 37,620 people who also completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). It proposed thresholds of 106 and 140, aligned with AQ scores of 26 and 36, with about 81% sensitivity and specificity against those AQ thresholds. Because the reference was another questionnaire rather than clinician diagnosis, these are psychometric estimates, not diagnostic accuracy.
Which Cutoff Should You Use?
Treat 65 as the original research cutoff, not a verdict. Scores from 65 to 105 are especially nonspecific in clinical populations. The 106 and 140 thresholds are newer, AQ-derived interpretive thresholds rather than established diagnostic cutoffs. A score is most useful alongside developmental history, a clinical interview and other assessment information.
Quick Score Summary
Detailed Score Interpretation
Below the Original Cutoff
Below the original cutoff of 65, meaning fewer autistic traits were endorsed on this questionnaire. A score here does not rule out autism, particularly when your history or other information raises concern.
Gray Zone
Above the original cutoff but relatively nonspecific. Similar answer patterns occur with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma or general distress, so scores in this range need careful interpretation.
Elevated Autistic Traits
Elevated endorsement of autistic traits. NovoPsych proposed 106 as a threshold because it aligns with an AQ score of 26 or above. It may be a reason to seek a comprehensive assessment.
Pronounced Autistic Traits
Pronounced endorsement of autistic traits. NovoPsych proposed 140 as a threshold because it aligns with an AQ score of 36 or above. A high score is a reason to consider a comprehensive assessment, not a diagnosis.
Maximum Possible Score
The absolute maximum score attainable on the RAADS-R scale. Each of the 80 questions can score 0-3 points, for a total of 240 points. Reaching the maximum is extremely rare.
Key Factors in Score Interpretation
High Sensitivity in the Original Study
In the 2011 validation study, 195 of 201 autistic participants (97%) scored 65 or above. In a 2021 NHS sample of 50 referred adults, the cutoff also caught nearly everyone, including those not diagnosed.
Variable Specificity
All 578 comparison participants in 2011 scored below 65 (100% specificity), but clinical samples were very different: 3.03% specificity in Jones et al. (2021) and 44% in Conner et al. (2019).
The Gray Zone (65-105)
Scores in this range may reflect autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, or trauma. The overlap between conditions means professional evaluation is essential for accurate interpretation.
Professional Evaluation
The RAADS-R is a published screening questionnaire; it cannot provide a diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional considers your full history and presentation.
Important Considerations
- •The RAADS-R is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Only qualified healthcare professionals can diagnose autism spectrum disorder.
- •Your current mental health state can affect your score. Anxiety, depression, or stress may influence how you answer questions.
- •Cultural and individual differences in self-perception may affect results. Some people naturally minimize or exaggerate traits.
- •A single score doesn't capture the full picture. Consider your four dimensional scores (Social, Interests, Language, Sensory) for a more complete understanding.
RAADS-R Score FAQ
Common questions about RAADS-R score interpretation
What does a RAADS-R score of 65 mean?
A score of 65 is the original RAADS-R research threshold. According to a 2025 NovoPsych technical analysis, scores of 65-105 fall into a 'gray zone' with lower specificity: your score may reflect autistic traits, but could also reflect other conditions like ADHD or anxiety. A professional evaluation can help clarify.
Is a high RAADS-R score bad?
A high score isn't 'bad'. It means you endorsed many autistic traits on this questionnaire. Many people find it helpful for understanding themselves, whether or not they pursue a formal assessment.
Can my RAADS-R score change over time?
While core autism traits are stable, your score might vary slightly due to: current mental health state, life circumstances, increased self-awareness, or changes in coping strategies. Significant changes warrant discussion with a professional.
What if my score is just below or above a threshold?
Scores near thresholds should be interpreted cautiously. A score of 64 vs 66 doesn't represent a meaningful clinical difference. Focus on the overall pattern and consider your four dimensional scores rather than fixating on being just above or below a cutoff.
Why is the 65-105 range called a 'gray zone'?
A 2025 NovoPsych technical analysis found that scores in this range have lower specificity, meaning elevated scores here may reflect autistic traits or other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety disorders or trauma. This overlap makes professional evaluation especially important for accurate interpretation.
Should I show my RAADS-R results to a doctor?
Yes, if you're considering professional evaluation. RAADS-R results provide useful screening information that can guide the diagnostic process. Bring your score breakdown including the four dimensional scores for a more complete picture.
Can you score above 65 and not be autistic?
Yes. In clinical studies many people who were not diagnosed with autism scored above 65: in one NHS sample of referred adults, only 3.03% of those not diagnosed scored below the cutoff. ADHD, anxiety, depression and trauma can all raise RAADS-R scores.
Can you score below 65 and still be autistic?
Yes. In the 2011 study, 6 of 201 autistic adults scored below 65, and people who mask a lot may report fewer traits. A score below 65 does not rule out autism.
Is 140 a high RAADS-R score?
Yes. 140 is the higher of the two thresholds proposed in a 2025 NovoPsych technical report, where it aligned with an AQ score of 36 or above. It indicates pronounced endorsement of autistic traits, but it is still a screening result, not a diagnosis.
How accurate is the RAADS-R test?
In the original 2011 study, the 65 cutoff showed 97% sensitivity and 100% specificity in 779 adults. In later studies of adults referred for assessment, specificity was much lower (3.03% and 44% in two samples), so the RAADS-R is best used as one piece of information in a full assessment.
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