Autism screening prompts draw attention amid wait times

A GP shares a self check from the AQ-19 amid growing delays for autism assessments and a wider discussion about gender bias in diagnosis.

Autism screening questions reveal gaps as NHS wait times lengthen

A London GP has shared a short self check from the AQ-19, a screening tool used for people aged 16 and over. The prompts cover sensory experience social interaction need for routine and ease with change. A TikTok video featuring the tool has drawn attention and a doctor’s warning that a low score does not prove there is no autism.

NHS data show a long wait for autism assessments with more than 212 000 people waiting as of December last year. Some argue the rise reflects greater awareness and better recognition, while others fear potential overdiagnosis. Experts note that women and girls often go undiagnosed because they can mask symptoms through social adaptation and grooming of responses. They point to camouflaging as a key factor that can hide traits, and cite five common signs in women that merit careful clinical review including masking emotional regulation and intense interests that may look normal at first glance.

The article sits at the intersection of public health capacity and medical nuance. Screening tools can raise awareness but cannot replace a full clinical evaluation. The online spread of the AQ-19 prompts risks giving readers a false sense of certainty while the health system struggles to keep up with demand. The gender bias angle matters because women who mask symptoms may be misread as socially capable while meeting criteria for autism only later. In short, better screening must go hand in hand with stronger diagnostic pathways and clear guidance for readers who use self checks.

Highlights

Awareness and care must move together so screening drives real access