Perceptual learning and perceptual search are altered in male university students with higher Autism Quotient scores

► The validity of the AQ scale for measuring nonclinical ASD traits was examined. ► Individuals with high AQ performed like individuals with ASD on perceptual tasks. ► High scoring AQ individuals showed no advantage for familiar over novel items. ► Higher AQ scorers had fewer errors when judging elements of a Navon letter. ► The AQ identifies nonclinical individuals with ASD-like traits.