ASSQ

Overview

General Information

The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) is a brief screening tool used to identify symptoms indicative of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. Developed by Ehlers, Gillberg, and Wing in 1999, the ASSQ is primarily intended for use with children aged 7-16 years. This parent- and teacher-report questionnaire is designed to facilitate early identification of ASD, allowing for timely intervention and support.

Structure and Content

The ASSQ consists of 27 items that describe a variety of behaviors associated with ASD. These items cover a range of social, communication, and behavioral symptoms characteristic of autism spectrum disorders. Respondents rate each item on a 3-point scale: 0 (not true), 1 (somewhat true), and 2 (certainly true). The total score helps to determine the likelihood of the child having ASD, with higher scores indicating a greater likelihood.

Areas Assessed

• Social Interaction: Items address difficulties in social engagement, such as problems with peer relationships, social withdrawal, and lack of social reciprocity.
• Communication: Items evaluate communication challenges, including difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, and atypical language use.
• Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors: Items assess behaviors such as repetitive movements, adherence to routines, and narrow interests.

Applications

• Clinical Use: The ASSQ is used by clinicians as an initial screening tool to identify children who may require further comprehensive assessment for ASD. It aids in the early detection of autism-related symptoms.
• Educational Settings: Teachers can use the ASSQ to observe and report behaviors that may indicate the presence of ASD, facilitating referrals for further evaluation.
• Research Use: Researchers utilize the ASSQ to study the prevalence and characteristics of ASD symptoms in various populations, and to identify factors associated with autism spectrum disorders.

Psychometric Properties

The ASSQ has demonstrated strong psychometric properties, ensuring its reliability and validity as a screening tool for ASD.

Reliability

• Internal Consistency: The ASSQ exhibits high internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients typically exceeding 0.80. This indicates that the items on the questionnaire reliably measure the same construct.
• Test-Retest Reliability: The ASSQ has shown good test-retest reliability, suggesting that it provides stable and consistent results over time.

Validity

• Construct Validity: The ASSQ has been validated through various studies, confirming its ability to measure symptoms associated with ASD. Factor analyses support the scale's structure and its focus on core ASD symptoms.
• Criterion Validity: The ASSQ correlates well with other established measures of ASD, indicating its effectiveness in identifying individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Benefits

The ASSQ offers several advantages for clinicians, educators, and researchers:

• Ease of Use: The questionnaire is quick to administer and score, making it a practical tool for initial ASD screening.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Despite its brevity, the ASSQ provides a thorough assessment of key ASD symptoms.
• Versatility: Suitable for use in clinical, educational, and research settings, the ASSQ is a flexible tool for screening and early detection of ASD.

Conclusion

The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) is a valuable tool for the early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder in children and adolescents. Its strong psychometric properties, ease of use, and applicability in various settings make it an essential resource for clinicians, educators, and researchers. By facilitating the early detection of ASD, the ASSQ contributes to better understanding, diagnosing, and managing autism spectrum disorders, ultimately supporting timely and effective interventions.