![]() There are two different versions of the SCQ. Only “verbal” children (i.e., children with a “yes” response to the first question) are assigned the six items relating to abnormal language and can, thus, can score a total of 0–39 points “non-verbal” children (i.e., children with a “no” response to the first question) are not assigned the six items in relation to abnormal language and so can score a total of 0–33 points. The first item-“Is she/he now able to talk using short phrases or sentences?”-is not scored, but rather determines whether six items relating to abnormal language are assigned. Although the SCQ is a screening tool-and, thus, cannot be used for diagnosis of ASD-it is based on the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R), a semi-structured parent interview conducted by a trained clinician or researcher that can be used for diagnostic evaluation of children with suspected ASD.Įach item in the SCQ requires a dichotomous “yes”/“no” response, and each scored item receives a value of 1 point for abnormal behavior and 0 points for absence of abnormal behavior/normal behavior. The SCQ is a brief, 40-item, parent-report screening measure that focuses on items relating to ASD symptomatology likely to be observed by a primary caregiver. The goal of this paper is to critically evaluate the literature on the use of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) for children under age 4.0 years, with special reference to recent findings. The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) offers a screening instrument for ASD that has been validated for children age 4.0 years or older. ![]() If the screening instrument fails too many children, the referral system may become overwhelmed with concomitant delays for children in receiving a diagnosis however, if the screening instrument does not screen positive for the child who truly does have ASD, the child will not be sent for evaluation to receive a diagnosis of ASD and so will not receive intervention services. It must be stressed that a screening tool cannot be used to make a diagnosis if the child fails on the screening instrument, he or she is referred to a specialist to receive a comprehensive clinical evaluation to determine a diagnosis, if any. There is, thus, a clinical need to have an ASD screening instrument with acceptable psychometric properties for children between 30 and 48 months. The AAP also recommends screening for ASD at later visits in cases where there is concern however, the M-CHAT-R/F is only valid for ASD screening of toddlers between 16 and 30 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening for ASD at both 18- and 24-month well visits with an autism-specific screening tool, such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, revised with follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F). Early intervention may not only limit deterioration of skills, but may lead to such improvement in functioning, such that children with higher intelligence and functional skills may later lose their ASD diagnosis. ![]() ![]() Ĭhildren can be reliably diagnosed with ASD by age 2, clearing a pathway to early intervention opportunities. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) currently affects approximately 1 in 68 children across the USA, and is about 4.5 times more common among boys than among girls. ![]()
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