Why this autism test includes a masking section
Most free autism tests online ask whether you display autistic traits — but they don't account for the fact that many autistic adults, particularly women, have learned to hide or suppress those traits so effectively that they score below the threshold on standard tests.
This test includes a dedicated Social Strategies section that measures how much effort you put into adapting, compensating, and concealing in social situations. This is the only free autism test in the UK that screens for masking as part of its core assessment.
What is masking?
Masking is when autistic people hide or suppress their autistic traits to fit in — copying others' body language, scripting conversations, forcing eye contact. It's effective at hiding autism from clinicians, but exhausting to maintain. High maskers often score lower on standard tests despite significant autistic traits. Learn more about masking →
What this autism test covers
- Social & Communication — how you process social information, implied meaning, and conversation
- Social Strategies — how much effort you use to adapt and mask in social situations
- Life Experiences (optional extended section) — social connection, language, sensory experience, and routine across your lifespan
The test is adaptive — it asks follow-up questions only when your early answers suggest autism traits are present. If ADHD traits are also indicated, it will screen for those too, as around 50–70% of autistic people also have ADHD.
Signs of autism in UK adults
Autism in adults often looks very different from the childhood stereotype. Common signs in adults include:
- Finding social interaction genuinely exhausting, even when you're good at it on the surface
- Missing implied meaning, sarcasm, or hints in conversation
- Strong sensory sensitivities — to sound, light, texture, smell
- Intense, focused interests in specific topics
- A strong need for routine and significant distress when plans change
- Feeling like you're performing or acting in social situations
- A lifelong feeling of being different without knowing why
Take the free autism test
The only free UK autism test that includes masking. Takes 10–35 minutes.
Start now →After your free autism test — UK next steps
If your results indicate autism traits above the threshold, the next step is speaking to your GP. Take your printed results and describe how these traits affect your daily life — at work, in relationships, and at home.
NHS waiting times for adult autism assessment can be long — sometimes several years in some areas. Private autism assessments are available and typically cost £800–2,500. The National Autistic Society has a directory of assessment services at autism.org.uk.
For a full guide, read our article on getting an autism diagnosis in the UK.
Could you have AuDHD — autism and ADHD together?
Around 50–70% of autistic people also have ADHD. If you think both might apply to you, this test screens for both simultaneously. When both are indicated, your results will show an AuDHD profile. Read more about what AuDHD is and how to get assessed.
Autism in women — a note
Women are diagnosed with autism on average 10 years later than men. This is largely because autistic women tend to mask more effectively, have interests that are socially acceptable, and present with anxiety and depression rather than obvious autistic behaviours.
This test is specifically designed to catch high-masking presentations. Read more about signs of autism in adults.