Doctor reveals ten questions that could determine whether you have autism

Experts have shared ten questions that may reveal whether you have autism.

Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects one in every 100 people in the UK.

Signs and symptoms of the disorder show differently in every person but according to the American Psychiatric Association, it is 'characterised by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction' and 'restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities.'

Now, London-based GP Dr Sermed Mezher has shared ten questions that medical professionals can use in determining whether or not somebody has the condition.

He explains in a video shared with his 281,000 followers on TikTok: "The Autism Spectrum Quotient-10, is a brief screening tool designed to identify signs that may suggest a person could have autism.

"It consists of ten questions that focus on social communication, behaviour, and how someone processes information.

"While the AQ-10 can provide an indication of autistic traits, it is not a diagnostic tool. A high score on the AQ-10 suggests that further assessment might be necessary, but it cannot confirm an autism diagnosis," he adds before delving into the test, where participants needs to indicate whether or not they agree with a statement.

Score one point for each of the following statements you AGREE with:

• I often notice small sounds when others do not
• I like to collect information about categories of things
• I find it difficult to work out people's intentions
• When I'm reading a story, I find it difficult to work out the character's intentions

Score one point for each of the following statements you DISAGREE with:

• I find it easy to read between the lines when someone is talking to me
• I usually concentrate more on the whole picture, rather than the small details
• I know how to tell if someone is listening to me is getting bored
• I find it easy to do more than one thing at once
• I find it easy to work out what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face
• If there's an interruption, I can switch back to what I was doing very quickly

If you score six or more on the test, there is a chance you may have autism.

However, Dr Mezher stresses that the test is simply 'a preliminary step to highlight whether a more comprehensive evaluation is warranted.'

He continues: "An official diagnosis requires in-depth analysis, including clinical interviews, developmental history, and observations by specialists.

"The AQ-10 is not definitive — merely a guide to help determine if additional professional insights are needed.

"This test helps doctors to figure out if you could have autism or not. Scores of six or less make autism unlikely. Go with your first instinct."