EQ Assessment for Autism | Cadabams CDC
Welcoming, research-backed, and parent-friendly—the EQ Assessment for Autism at Cadabams CDC is designed to give you clear insights into your child’s emotional world in under an hour. Whether you are just beginning to explore autism spectrum traits or you already have concerns, this guide explains everything you need to know about the Empathy Quotient (EQ) Test and how it fits into your child’s care plan.
What Is the Empathy Quotient (EQ) Test?
The Empathy Quotient (EQ) Test is a quick, non-invasive 60-item questionnaire that measures how easily a child recognises and responds to the feelings of others. At Cadabams CDC, we use it as an early screening step—not as a standalone diagnosis.
How the 60-item questionnaire measures empathy
- Self-report or parent-proxy format, depending on the child’s age
- Questions cover cognitive empathy (“I can tell when someone is upset”) and affective empathy (“I feel sad when others are sad”)
- Each item scored 0, 1, or 2
- Takes 10–15 minutes to complete
Empathy vs autism spectrum traits
- Low empathy alone does not equal autism
- Autism involves a pattern of social-communication differences plus restricted or repetitive behaviours
- The EQ Test helps us spot low empathy as one possible flag, guiding deeper evaluation if needed
Who Should Take the EQ Assessment?
Parents often ask, “Is my child too young?” or “Should we wait and see?” We recommend the EQ Assessment for Autism when:
- Your child is aged 4–18 and you notice limited emotional reciprocity
- Teachers report that your child struggles to read social cues
- You want objective data before committing to a full diagnostic work-up Early insights can make classroom adjustments, therapy choices, and family conversations clearer.
How the Test Works at Cadabam’s CDC
We keep the process simple and child-friendly. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Online booking & pre-screening call
- A brief 5-minute call confirms age, language comfort, and any sensory needs
Step 2: In-clinic assessment session (45 min)
- Child-friendly space with quiet corners and fidget tools
- Trained clinician guides the questions at your child’s pace
- Refreshments and a small play break are included
Step 3: Expert scoring & interpretation
- Scores processed within 24 hours
- Reviewed by our multidisciplinary team to rule out confounding factors (anxiety, language delay, etc.)
Step 4: Personalized feedback and next steps
- 30-minute parent meeting to explain results
- Printed summary with plain-language graphs
- Clear list of next steps—therapy, school support, or further testing if required
Understanding Your Child’s EQ Score
| Score Range | What It Suggests | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0–24 | Below-average empathy | Consider broader autism evaluation |
| 25–44 | Average empathy | Monitor; school-based strategies may help |
| 45–60 | Above-average empathy | Low likelihood of autism; explore other factors |
Distinguishing low empathy from autism
- Low empathy can stem from shyness, sensory overload, or language delays
- Autism is diagnosed only when multiple criteria are met over time
- Our clinicians use the EQ alongside ADOS-2 and parent interviews for a holistic picture
Validity & Evidence Behind the EQ
The Empathy Quotient is more than a checklist—it is backed by science.
- Simon Baron-Cohen, 2004: Original EQ study on 1,000+ participants showed strong internal reliability (α = 0.92)
- Indian Adaptation, 2019: AIIMS Delhi validated Hindi and Tamil versions; cultural items adjusted for joint-family contexts
- Meta-analysis, 2021: 27 studies confirm EQ differentiates autism from typical development with 85 % sensitivity