Comprehensive comparison of self-administered questionnaires for measuring quantitative autistic traits in adults

J Autism Dev Disord. 2014 May;44(5):993-1007. doi: 10.1007/s10803-013-2020-7.

Abstract

We comprehensively compared all available questionnaires for measuring quantitative autistic traits (QATs) in terms of reliability and construct validity in 3,147 non-clinical and 60 clinical subjects with normal intelligence. We examined four full-length forms, the Subthreshold Autism Trait Questionnaire (SATQ), the Broader Autism Phenotype Questionnaire, the Social Responsiveness Scale2-Adult Self report (SRS2-AS), and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). The SRS2-AS and the AQ each had several short forms that we also examined, bringing the total to 11 forms. Though all QAT questionnaires showed acceptable levels of test-retest reliability, the AQ and SRS2-AS, including their short forms, exhibited poor internal consistency and discriminant validity, respectively. The SATQ excelled in terms of classical test theory and due to its short length.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self Report
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Young Adult