Testing for Asperger’s Syndrome
By
Nick Nielsen
Updated on February 13, 2026
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Asperger's syndrome is no longer considered an official diagnosis. Instead, symptoms that were previously described as Asperger's now belong to a broader category called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Identifying and diagnosing ASD involves screening tests followed by a more thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals.
What Is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger's syndrome is a diagnosis healthcare professionals used before 2013 to describe what was considered a different type of autism. Today, people with symptoms of Asperger's receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a term that encompasses a range of characteristics, needs, strengths, and challenges.
People who would have previously met the criteria for Asperger's are now considered to have "level 1" autism, meaning they need a lower level of support. But every autistic person is different, and some people may need more support than others.
Some of the signs of level 1 autism include:
- Difficulty initiating social interactions
- Atypical responses to social cues
- Decreased interest in social interactions
- Inflexibility of behavior that interferes with normal functioning
- Difficulty switching between activities
- Problems with planning and organization
Is There an Autism Test?
There is no test specifically for Asperger's and no medical test to diagnose autism spectrum disorder. Instead, an experienced medical professional uses screening assessments and other diagnostic tools to check for signs of autism. They also look at a person's developmental history and behavior and interview and observe the person and their family members or loved ones.
Autism Screening Tools
Children receive general screening for developmental delays and disabilities during regular pediatric visits at 9 months, 18 months, and 30 months. They also receive screening for autism spectrum disorder at 18 months and 24 months. Screening tools don't diagnose autism, but they can help identify children and adults who might have ASD. A positive screening result indicates a person may need further evaluation or diagnosis from a healthcare professional.
There are many different screening tools for autism spectrum disorder. Depending on a person's age and setting, these may be parent-completed, self-administered, or administered by an early childhood educator, psychologist, or other healthcare professional. Here are some examples of screening tests for autism.
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
The M-CHAT, or M-CHAT-R (revised), is a questionnaire designed to assess children ages 16 to 30 months. It is parent-completed and asks a series of 20 questions about a child's behavior. The results will indicate whether an evaluation by the child's healthcare provider may be needed.
Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT)
The STAT is an activities-based assessment for children ages 24 to 36 months. It takes about 20 minutes to administer, and consists of 12 activities to assess important social and communicative behaviors, including play, imitation, requesting, and directing attention. The STAT is designed to be administered by providers who work with children and have experience with autism.
The Social Attention and Communication Surveillance (SACS) Tool
SACS is a screening method to assess behaviors characteristic of autism spectrum disorder for children ages 12 months through preschool. It is administered by an early childhood educator, psychologist, or other healthcare professional.
Social Challenges Screening Questionnaire (SCSQ)
The SCSQ is a questionnaire to identify school-age children who may have symptoms that were previously characterized as Asperger's syndrome (level 1 ASD). It consists of 15 questions and is completed by parents, educators, or medical professionals.
Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test
The AQ test is designed to measure traits of autism in teenagers and adults ages 16 and over. It is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 50 questions.
Diagnostic Evaluation for Autism
If screening tools positively identify characteristics of autism spectrum disorder, the next step is a thorough evaluation to rule out other conditions and make a diagnosis. This is ideally carried out by a team of specialists with experience in diagnosing autism. An evaluation can include:
- A physician's exam to identify medical and genetic issues associated with symptoms
- Developmental and cognitive tests administered by a psychologist
- Evaluation by a speech-language pathologist for communication and social skills
- Evaluation by an occupational therapist for sensory and motor issues
Following the evaluation, the team will provide feedback and a written report fully explaining the results.
Should You Screen for Autism?
Detecting autism early can have a significant impact on a person's access to services and support systems, which can greatly improve their quality of life.
Research shows that early diagnosis, by 18 to 24 months, can improve cognitive, language, and social-emotional functioning, and lead to increased independence in adulthood.
The Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE) provides more information about recognizing autism, access to screening tests, and additional resources.
The Takeaway
- Asperger's syndrome is no longer an official diagnosis. Instead, people with symptoms previously described as Asperger's are evaluated for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Screening tools can help identify characteristics of autism in children and adults. They are not a diagnosis, but positive results can indicate that professional evaluation may be needed.
- Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder involves a thorough assessment by healthcare specialists. This may include a medical examination, genetic testing, and developmental and cognitive tests.
- If you notice signs that might indicate ASD, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for screening or evaluation. Early diagnosis can significantly improve the quality of life for a person with autism.
FAQ
What is high-functioning Asperger’s syndrome?
The term high-functioning autism is sometimes used to describe what was previously considered Asperger's syndrome. It refers to people with autism who typically need a lower level of support. High functioning autism isn't an official diagnosis, and experts today consider this term outdated.
How do I know if I have Asperger’s?
Many people with autism receive a diagnosis in childhood. But a better understanding of the condition has led many adults to seek a diagnosis later in life. The only way to know for sure whether you have autism is to get a formal diagnosis from a trained clinician who specializes in ASD. If you experience symptoms of autism, you can start by making an appointment with your primary doctor or using the AANE diagnosis resources.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
- Asperger’s Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. April 29, 2025.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder. National Institutes of Mental Health. 2025.
- ASD Levels of Severity. Autism Speaks.
- Autism Screening. Autism Speaks.
- Clinical Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 15, 2025.
- Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R). Autism Speaks.
- Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT). Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Okoye C et al. Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review and Analysis of the Risks and Benefits. Cureus. August 9, 2023.
- Martinelli K. What Is High-Functioning Autism? Child Mind Institute. March 27, 2025.
- Autism Basics Diagnosis. AANE.
Meet Our Experts
Eric R. Williams, MD
Medical Reviewer
Eric Williams is the associate dean of student affairs and career advising and associate professor of neuropsychiatry and behavioral science at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia. He also works with the Prisma Health Midlands ACT team.
He earned his medical degree from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed his general residency and child and adolescent fellowship with the Palmetto Health Alliance/University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
He has worked in an academic setting, an acute adolescent inpatient unit, an autism clinic, in juvenile justice, with college students, and as a traveling psychiatrist prior to his current positions.