Table 2 The RAADS-14 Screen

Please choose one of the following alternatives:

This is true or describes me now and when I was young.

This was true or describes me only now (refers to skills acquired).

This was true only when I was young (16 years or younger).

This was never true and never described me.

Please answer the questions according to what is true for you. Check only one column per statement!

Some life experiences and personality characteristics that may apply to you

True now and when I was young

True only now

True only when I was younger than 16

Never true

1

It is difficult for me to understand how other people are feeling when we are talking

2

Some ordinary textures that do not bother others feel very offensive when they touch my skin

3

It is very difficult for me to work and function in groups

4

It is difficult to figure out what other people expect of me

5

I often don’t know how to act in social situations

6*

I can chat and make small talk with people

7

When I feel overwhelmed by my senses, I have to isolate myself to shut them down

8

How to make friends and socialize is a mystery to me

9

When talking to someone, I have a hard time telling when it is my turn to talk or to listen

10

Sometimes I have to cover my ears to block out painful noises (like vacuum cleaners or people talking too much or too loudly)

11

It can be very hard to read someone’s face, hand, and body movements when we are talking

12

I focus on details rather than the overall idea

13

I take things too literally, so I often miss what people are trying to say

14

I get extremely upset when the way I like to do things is suddenly changed