Tools for exploring autism and ADHD — and support resources for when you need someone in your corner.
These are established screeners used by researchers and clinicians. They're free, they don't require an account, and they can be a useful starting point — for yourself or someone you love.
ImportantThese tools are screeners, not diagnoses. A high score means it's worth exploring further with a professional — not that you definitely are or aren't autistic or neurodivergent. Use them as a starting point, not a verdict.
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10) is a 10-question screener developed by the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge. It's one of the most widely used autism screeners for adults — quick to complete, and gives you a score to bring to a professional if you want to explore further.
Takes about 5 minutes. No account needed.
The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale–Revised is a longer, more detailed screener (80 questions) covering four areas: social relatedness, circumscribed interests, language, and sensory/motor differences. It's particularly useful for adults who masked or weren't identified as children.
Takes 20–30 minutes. Worth it if you want depth over speed.
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is an 18-question screener developed with the World Health Organization. It's the standard ADHD screener used in clinical settings worldwide — straightforward, well-validated, and free. Autism and ADHD frequently co-occur, so it's worth checking both.
Takes about 5 minutes. No account needed.
The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire measures how much a person masks or camouflages autistic traits in social situations. Many adults — especially women and people of color — go undiagnosed because they learned to hide their traits. This screener makes that visible.
Takes about 10 minutes. Particularly useful if you've been told "you don't seem autistic."
Next stepIf your results suggest it's worth exploring, bring them to a primary care doctor or a psychologist who specializes in adult autism assessment. A screener score alone isn't a diagnosis — but it's a conversation starter.
For when things get heavy and you need someone in your corner.
These are real organizations with real people. Whether it's a crisis moment or just a heavy week — there's someone to call, text, or reach.
If you're in immediate dangerCall 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. The resources below are for support and crisis intervention — not emergency medical response.
The national mental health crisis line. Call or text 988 from anywhere in the US. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You don't have to be suicidal to call — if you're overwhelmed, struggling, or don't know where to turn, this line is for you.
If talking on the phone is hard — text is an option. Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor. Free, 24/7. Many autistic and neurodivergent people find text easier than voice calls, especially in high-stress moments.
The Asperger/Autism Network offers one-on-one support, connection, and community for autistic adults, families, and caregivers. Not a crisis line — but a place to find people who actually understand the autism experience and can help you navigate it.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's free, confidential helpline for mental health and substance use challenges. Available in English and Spanish. Can refer you to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community resources.
A note from usThis list isn't exhaustive, and we're not endorsing any specific organization over another. If you've found a resource that's been genuinely helpful for autistic or neurodivergent people, let us know — we'll consider adding it.
IEP help, advocacy, special-needs legal planning, schools, employment, adult services, and equipment — gathered from autism resource events and community research.
How this list was madeThese organizations come from autism resource events and our own community research. We’ve checked that each link works, but we haven’t personally vetted every service — always confirm insurance, eligibility, and fit before you commit. If something here isn’t the right match, no problem; it’s a starting point.
A national network of attorneys focused on disability and special-needs planning. Members available nationwide — call to reach one in your area.
Job training and employment services.
We couldn’t find a working website for this one. Any contact info above is the best way to reach them — or search their name.
Community and services for autistic and disabled adults.
Adult day and employment services for people with disabilities.
Adult enrichment and day services. (Contact: [email protected])
We couldn’t find a working website for this one. Any contact info above is the best way to reach them — or search their name.