title: A Review of Level 2 Parent-Report Instruments Used to Screen Children Aged 1.5-5 for Autism: A Meta-Analytic Update.
abstract: The present study utilized meta-analytic procedures to estimate the diagnostic validity of instruments used to screen young children, ages 1.5-5 years, for autism. Five scales met inclusion criteria, and data from 18 studies contributed the meta-analysis. Results revealed that 4 of 5 scales met criteria for "good" validity, including two broad band scales (instruments not restricted to screening for autism). The current results suggest that validity differences might be a function of how instruments sample across the DSM content domains. Specifically, high validity instruments included a higher proportion of items assessing social interaction skills. The availability of valid broad- and narrow-band instruments, as well as implications for constructing future screening instruments, is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4820, USA, justin.hampton@email.wsu.edu.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hampton
authors.forename: Paul S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Strand
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010290:Parents