Factor analysis of the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire.

• The present study investigated the factor structure of parent and teacher Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) in a population of 7-9 years old children. For validation purposes, factors derived were correlated with results on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). A three-factor solution was identified on both parent and teacher ASSQ. Most of the variance was explained by one factor including measures of social function, validated by a high correlation with the SDQ peer problems scale. The second factor included measures of autism-associated problems. The items allocated to the third factor were more specific for a cognitive style typically found in high-functioning individuals with autism/Asperger syndrome. This factor did not correlate highly with any of the SDQ subscales. The results indicated that the screening efficiency of ASSQ could be increased by closer examination of the individual profile of factor scores.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Asperger Syndrome

Diagnosis

Psychology

Autistic Disorder

Diagnosis

Psychology

Child

Child Behavior Disorders

Diagnosis

Psychology

Factor Analysis

Statistical

Female

Humans

Intelligence

Male

Mass Screening

Norway

Observer Variation

Psychometrics

Statistics & numerical data

Questionnaires

Reproducibility of Results

Social Adjustment

Social Environment

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)