Factor structure and diagnostic fidelity of the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part 1 (BISCUIT-part 1).
OBJECTIVE
Due to the effectiveness of early intervention on the outcome of individuals with ASD, there is a race to identify children with ASD at younger ages. The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part 1 (BISCUIT-Part 1) is a new assessment tool designed to assess symptoms of ASD in children between the ages of 17-37 months. The aim of this study was to identify the factor structure of BISCUIT-Part 1 and investigate group differences with regards to these factors.


METHODS
Participants (n = 1287) were enrolled in a state-funded early intervention programme for children at-risk for a developmental disability. The BISCUIT was administered to a parent or other significant caregiver along with other developmental measures as part of the assessment protocol for the early intervention programme.


RESULTS
The exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-factor solution consistent with symptom clusters characteristic of ASD. Furthermore, participants diagnosed with ASD exhibited significantly higher scores on the factors of the BISCUIT-Part 1, compared to toddlers without a diagnosis of ASD.


CONCLUSIONS
The BISCUIT-Part 1 shows promise in aiding clinicians in the diagnosis of ASD in infants and toddlers.
Matson
Johnny L
JL
Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA.
Boisjoli
Jessica A
JA
Hess
Julie A
JA
Wilkins
Jonathan
J
D000367:Age Factors; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010290:Parents; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires