Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)
The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) is a comprehensive screening tool designed to identify symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents aged 7 to 16. This 27-item checklist focuses on social interaction, communication patterns, and behavioral characteristics typical of autism spectrum conditions.
Last Updated: 4 February, 2025
- Length: 10 minutes
- Questions: 27 questions
- Sensitivity: 83%
- Specificity: 42%
The ASSQ is a valuable screening tool that helps identify potential autism spectrum traits in school-age children. It's designed to be completed by parents or teachers who know the child well and can observe their behavior across different situations.
Reproduced with permission from the Autism Research Centre.
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Instructions for Parents/Teachers:
Please rate the child's behavior compared to other children of the same age. Consider behaviors observed over time, not just on a single occasion.
ASSQ Online Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
The ASSQ measures various aspects of behavior associated with autism spectrum conditions, including social interaction, communication patterns, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. It helps identify children who may benefit from a more comprehensive autism evaluation.
The ASSQ has been validated with a sensitivity of 83% (ability to correctly identify those with autism) and a specificity of 42% (ability to correctly identify those without autism) according to research. While these metrics indicate the ASSQ is a useful screening tool, it should not be used alone for diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation by qualified healthcare professionals is essential for proper diagnosis.
If the screening indicates possible autism spectrum traits, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, such as your child's pediatrician or a child psychologist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and guidance on next steps.
Understanding the Results
The ASSQ uses a three-point rating scale for each item:
- Not true = 0 points
- Somewhat true = 1 point
- Certainly true = 2 points
The total score is calculated by adding up the points from all 27 items, with a maximum possible score of 54 points. Higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of autism spectrum traits being present.