The clinical utility of the Social Responsiveness Scale and Social Communication Questionnaire in tuberous sclerosis complex

Abstract

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is often associated with epilepsy, mental retardation, and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Thus, screening for ASDs is important when evaluating these individuals. We examined the utility of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), two measures for screening for ASDs, in a TSC population. Twenty-one children were evaluated, with 52.4% classified as having ASDs on the SRS and 42.9% classified as such on the SCQ. Number of antiepileptic drugs significantly correlated with SRS Total score, as did level of intellectual functioning. Evidence for convergent validity was obtained between the SRS and SCQ Total scores ( r = 0.605). Moreover, all SRS subscales correlated with SCQ Total score ( r > 0.400). All SCQ subscales except for Communication correlated with SRS total. Overall, the results demonstrate that these questionnaires appear to be effective screens for ASDs in a TSC population and are measuring similar constructs.