The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ)--adolescent version.
The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) quantifies autistic traits in adults. This paper adapted the AQ for children (age 9.8-15.4 years). Three groups of participants were assessed: Group 1: n=52 adolescents with Asperger Syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA); Group 2: n=79 adolescents with classic autism; and Group 3, n=50 controls. The adolescents with AS/HFA did not differ significantly from the adolescents with autism but both clinical groups scored higher than controls. Approximately 90% of the adolescents with AS/HFA and autism scored 30+, vs. none of the controls. Among the controls, boys scored higher than girls. The AQ can rapidly quantify where an adolescent is situated on the continuum from autism to normality.
Baron-Cohen
Simon
S
Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 2AH, Cambridge, UK. sb205@cam.ac.uk
Hoekstra
Rosa A
RA
Knickmeyer
Rebecca
R
Wheelwright
Sally
S
D000293:Adolescent; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014888:Wechsler Scales