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Social Responsiveness Scale

Learn what the SRS-2 is, and why NeuroSpark Health doesn’t use it. We choose autism tools that reflect a strengths-based, affirming approach.
Pink neon heart shaped sign in the window of a house representing the social aspects of the SRS and autism assessment process.

What is the SRS-2?

The Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2) is a 65-item questionnaire often used to evaluate social characteristics commonly associated with autism. It’s designed to measure areas like social awareness, social cognition, social communication, social motivation, and restricted or repetitive behaviors.There are versions for children, adolescents, and adults. The adult version is typically self-reported and intended for individuals ages 19 and older.

The Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition (SRS-2) adult version is a self-report questionnaire used to identify and quantify social characteristics commonly believed to be associated with autism.

The 65-item questionnaire assesses behaviors and interactions in social situations. Specifically, the SRS-2 adult version is intended to evaluate social awareness, social cognition, social communication, social motivation, and repetitive behaviors.

Why We Don’t Use the SRS-2 at NeuroSpark Health

Although the SRS-2 is widely used, we intentionally choose not to include it in our autism assessments.

Here’s why:

It’s based on a deficit model. The SRS-2 pathologizes traits like reduced eye contact or preference for solitary activities—traits we view as differences, not deficits.

It lacks affirming language. The items often frame neurodivergent behaviors as “abnormal,” which doesn’t align with our values or how we support our clients.

It may lack precision. Research has shown limitations in its ability to distinguish between autism and conditions like anxiety. In particular, the “social motivation” subscale has been criticized for poor discriminant validity.

At NeuroSpark Health, we believe assessments should reflect lived experience, not just check for what’s missing.

What We Use Instead

We rely on more affirming, person-centered tools that value nuance, narrative, and real-world insight.

These include:

  • The MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing Autism Spectrum)

  • Collaborative clinical interviews focused on lived experience

  • Strengths-based self-report measures

  • Structured observations and qualitative data

We assess traits in context (not in isolation), and we view neurodivergence as a natural variation of human experience.

Quick Facts About the SRS-2

  • Age Range:

    3 to 99 years

  • Adult Version Age:

    19+

  • Number of Items:

    65

  • Administration Time:

    15 to 30 minutes

  • Scoring System:

    T-scores with ranges from “normal” to “severe” (not diagnostic)

  • Who Can Administer It:

    Psychologists, social workers, SLPs, and others with appropriate training

  • Is It Diagnostic?

    No, it’s a screening tool and not intended to diagnose autism on its own.


Interested in learning more? You can find additional info about the SRS 2 here.

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Diagnosis can be the catalyst for significant momentum. It can represent a turning point for your life, where you can move forward equipped with new knowledge about yourself and a new framework to guide you in your journey.

A formal assessment provides an incredible opportunity to gain knowledge about who you are and how you see the world.

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