Self-reported autism symptoms in adults with autism spectrum disorders

J Autism Dev Disord. 2012 Nov;42(11):2354-63. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1483-2.

Abstract

Scores on the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) were examined in 65 adults with ASD. Maternal reports of symptoms were collected simultaneously using the autism diagnostic interview-revised (ADI-R) and the Vineland Screener. A slightly revised AQ administration procedure was used to accommodate adults with below average IQ. AQ scores were lower than in the original validation study, with only 11 adults (17%) scoring above the proposed diagnostic cut-off and 24 (27%) exceeding the screening cut-off. Adults with higher IQs endorsed more symptoms than those with below average intelligence, but even when analyses were restricted to the 39 adults with at least average IQ, only 44% met the screening cut-off. AQ scores were not significantly correlated with ADI-R or Vineland scores.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis*
  • Diagnostic Self Evaluation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics
  • Self Report
  • Surveys and Questionnaires