What a RAADS-R Score of 120 Means
A RAADS-R score of 120 sits firmly in the 'consistent with autism' band (106–139). It's a strong indication of autistic spectrum traits and a clear reason to pursue clinical assessment.
Score in Context
What a RAADS-R of 120 Means
RAADS-R 120 is well into the band the instrument associates with autism. Ritvo et al. (2011) reported that scores in the 106+ range correctly classified the majority of their autistic adult sample — the band has good sensitivity for autism, with some false positives at the lower end.
Adults who score 120 typically show elevated endorsement across multiple sub-scales. Sensory-Motor and Social Relatedness are usually leading; Language and Circumscribed Interests can vary. The sub-scale profile is informative — a clinician will often want it for the assessment conversation.
Pairing with the AQ-10 helps confirm. Adults at RAADS-R 120 typically score 6–8 on the AQ-10. If both are elevated, the picture is convergent and a formal autism assessment is the obvious next step. NICE guidance treats screen-positive results above the cut-offs as clear referral indicators.
Recommended Next Steps
- Pursue a clinical assessment with someone experienced in adult autism.
- Bring the per-sub-scale breakdown to the appointment.
- Document childhood examples — diagnostic interviews lean heavily on developmental history.
RAADS-R vs AQ-10
The RAADS-R (80 items, four sub-scales) and AQ-10 (10 items) are designed to converge. Cross-validating between them strengthens the screen-positive picture or highlights interesting disagreements.
Take the AQ-10 for a fast cross-check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a RAADS-R 120 confirm autism?
No — only a clinician can confirm autism through formal assessment. But 120 is firmly in the 'consistent with autism' band and is a strong screen-positive.
What's the AQ-10 equivalent of RAADS-R 120?
Adults at this level typically score 6–8 on the AQ-10. Cross-validation across measures strengthens the picture.
Should I be sure I'm autistic at 120?
Don't be sure of anything from a screen. The score is a strong signal that clinical assessment is the right next step. Many adults at 120 do receive an autism diagnosis; some receive related neurodivergent diagnoses (ADHD, sensory processing differences).
How long does an autism assessment take?
Typically 2–4 hours of clinical interview plus a developmental history review. Wait times in publicly funded systems can be long.
What if the assessment doesn't confirm autism?
It can clarify what's actually going on. RAADS-R elevation overlaps with social anxiety, OCD-spectrum traits, severe ADHD, and the broader autism phenotype. A clinical conversation sorts these out.
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Free · 80 questions · Four sub-scales · 2025 Hegarty refined scoring
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