Measurement Properties of Screening and Diagnostic Tools for Autism Spectrum Adults of Mean Normal Intelligence: A Systematic Review
European Psychiatry
Baghdadli, A., Russet, F., et al. (2017).
European Psychiatry, 44, 104-124.
This systematic review investigates the diagnostic accuracy of screening and diagnostic tools for identifying adults on autism spectrum without intellectual disabilities.
Not stated
Database inception up to September 2016
Any study design
38 studies; 11 reviews; 3 book chapters; 4 guidelines
Of the nine tools included in the review, and their eight short versions, the following screening tools were indicated to have mostly satisfactory or intermediate values (more than three) for their psychometric properties:
<ul>
<li>Autism Spectrum Quotient-50 (AQ-50);</li>
<li>Autism Quotient-Short form (AQ-S);</li>
<li>Ritvo Asperger and Autism Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R); and</li>
<li>RAADS-14.</li>
</ul>
Findings identified nine tools for the screening or diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults without intellectual disabilities. None of the tools (e.g., Autism Spectrum Quotient, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule [ADOS], Social Responsiveness Scale) were indicated to have satisfactory measurement properties to detect or confirm ASD in adults. Gold standard tools, such as the ADOS and the Autism Diagnostic Interview, were suggested not to be used alone during the diagnostic process.
