Screening tools for autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Purpose

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is important over the whole life span. Standardized instruments may support the assessment process. The purpose of this paper is to describe English- and German-screening tools for ASD.

Design/methodology/approach

PubMed was used to search for published tools and evidence on their diagnostic validity.

Findings

Searches identified 46 screening tools for ASD. Most are designed for children, while only few measures are available for adults, especially those with additional intellectual disabilities. Many instruments are under-researched, although a small number such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers and the SCQ have been widely examined in a variety of populations.

Originality/value

The study identified and described a number of ASD screeners that can support clinicians or researchers when deciding whether to carry out a more comprehensive ASD assessment.

Citation

Sappok, T., Heinrich, M. and Underwood, L. (2015), "Screening tools for autism spectrum disorders", Advances in Autism, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 12-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/AIA-03-2015-0001