Hvor nøyaktig identifiserer screeninginstrumentet Social Communication Questionnaire autismespekterforstyrrelser i BUP?

Abstract

Background: The accuracy of the Norwegian Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) in identifying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within child psychiatry is not known. Method: We investigated the accuracy of SCQ in identifying clinically diagnosed ASD and ASD classified by the Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3Di) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). Results: The SCQ cut-off of 15 showed low sensitivity (Se) for correct classification of clinically diagnosed ASD (Se = 38%) and ADOS-2 classified ASD (Se = 30%) with 78% and 76% specificity (SP), respectively. For 3Di classified ASD, Se was somewhat higher (49%) and had good specificity (86%), with the best positive predictive value (.73). Conclusions/Implications: The SCQ showed low accuracy in identifying a clinical ASD diagnosis in child psychiatry. However, children with SCQ scores at or above threshold had a high risk of also being categorised with ASD according to the 3Di. We recommend that future studies include more detailed information about the basis for the final diagnostic conclusions. Furthermore, SCQ's characteristics should be evaluated in samples of children within a broad range of ASD that includes individuals with delayed development. Investigation of the suitability of other screening instruments for ASD for diagnostic work in child psychiatric clinics is also needed. Keywords: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3Di), sensitivity; specificity, Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)