Free Monotropism Questionnaire

Do You Have aMonotropicMind?

Monotropism describes a cognitive style where attention is drawn powerfully toward a small number of interests at any time. It's increasingly recognized as a core feature of autism and ADHD — and it may explain experiences you've never had words for.

Take the 47-item Monotropism Questionnaire (MQ) — developed by Garau et al. (2023) — to explore your attention style. Takes about 8 minutes.

100% Confidential

Takes 2 Minutes

Clinician-Designed

Not a diagnosis — a research-based self-report measure to explore your attention style.

Understanding Monotropism

What Is Monotropism?

A different way of understanding how attention works.

Monotropism, developed by Murray, Lesser & Lawson (2005), proposes that people vary in how they distribute attention. Monotropic individuals tend to focus intensely on fewer things at once, while polytrophic individuals spread attention more broadly across many channels simultaneously.

This isn’t about ability — it’s about style. A monotropic mind can produce extraordinary depth of knowledge, passionate engagement, and creative insight. But it can also mean that interruptions feel jarring, task-switching is draining, and sensory environments that others find manageable can feel overwhelming.

Sound Familiar?

Signs of a Monotropic Mind

You lose track of time when deeply engaged in something you love

Interruptions feel physically jarring or distressing

You struggle to concentrate in noisy or unpredictable environments

Switching between tasks feels much harder than others seem to find it

You have intense, passionate interests that define your life

Routines aren't just preferences — they're essential for stability

You sometimes forget to eat, drink, or use the bathroom when focused

You loop back to the same thoughts or problems for days

The Research

Monotropism IsIncreasingly Validated

The Monotropism Questionnaire was developed by Garau et al. (2023) and published through the Open Science Framework. Research shows that autistic and AuDHD individuals score significantly higher on the MQ than non-autistic, non-ADHD individuals.

Monotropism is increasingly considered a core explanatory framework for autism — offering a non-pathologizing lens that focuses on attention distribution rather than deficits.

Understanding your attention style can transform how you organize your life, work, and relationships.

 

47

research-based questions
 

3.3+

average = more monotropic than typical
 

#1

AuDHD individuals score highest
 

2023

validated by Garau et al.
 

Why Choose Us

The Sachs Center Difference

Neurodivergence Specialists

Built from the ground up for neurodivergent children and adults — including high-masking women and BIPOC individuals.

Results in 24 Hours

Your diagnostic letter immediately after evaluation and diagnostic report within 1 day. No multi-week waits.

Transparent Pricing

We provide the answers you need for $790, not $3,500. No hidden fees, no surprise bills.

Telehealth Available

A single, focused session with a PhD psychologist from your safe space — results the same day.

Explore Your Attention Style

Understanding How You Think Changes Everything

This free 8-minute questionnaire could give you a framework for understanding your attention, interests, and needs. No judgment. No commitment. Just insight.

Acknowledgements

This assessment is based on the Monotropism Questionnaire (MQ), developed by Garau, Flack, et al. and published under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA license.

Garau, V., Flack, J., et al. (2023). The Monotropism Questionnaire. Autism, 27(5), 1459–1471. doi:10.1177/13623613221147403

This tool is provided for educational and self-assessment purposes only. It is not a diagnostic instrument. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for clinical evaluation and treatment recommendations.