When we think of any type of childhood developmental disorder, probably the first names that come to mind are ADHD and autism. This last condition is particularly difficult for many people to understand and can generate a high level of suffering for the child who suffers from it, as they do not feel understood, and for those around them who fear not being able to approach their little one.
Having autism also entails a series of difficulties that will have to be faced and that must be treated throughout the development process and the life of the subject. But in order to help this sector of the population, it is first necessary to be able to determine whether or not they suffer from this disorder. In this sense we need a series of tests to detect autism In this article we are going to mention some of the most applicable ones.
Before going on to indicate some of the main tests and tests that exist to detect autism, it would be useful to delve a little deeper into the notion we have regarding this disorder.
We call autism, now autism spectrum disorder, a type of neurodevelopmental alteration (that is, it originates during the stage of neuronal growth and development) characterized by the presence of problems and severe difficulties in language, socialization and behavior. This disorder usually can be detected before three years of age appearing in very early stages of life.
Each of the three aspects mentioned above presents particularities that imply a difficulty in adapting the minor to the environment
At a socio-relational level we observe the presence of a lack of interaction and an apparent lack of interest in connecting with others, being closed in on themselves. And people with this disorder have severe difficulties when it comes to possessing a theory of mind that allows them to see that others are entities with an independent mind separate from their own. There is difficulty initiating and responding to social interactions, with little socio-emotional reciprocity.
Regarding communication problems a marked literality is observed (they do not usually understand figurative language), as well as the high difficulty or impossibility of understanding and using non-verbal language. It is also not uncommon for delays to occur in the acquisition of language, and problems with its practical and context-appropriate use are notorious. In some cases, the subject may not develop language at all. Likewise, they often have problems with taking turns speaking and responding to interactions.
Finally, they also present alterations in behavior. The presence of restricted interests and a high need for routines stands out, the presence of changes being something tremendously stressful for them since they need them to have a feeling of security. It is not uncommon for them to display repeated expressions, movements, or use of objects, often as a way to calm themselves. It has also been observed that hyper or hyposensitivity to stimulation is common, overreacting or not reacting at all to noises and lights.
These are some of the main characteristics and criteria of people with autism. It must also be taken into account that, although it is generally diagnosed in children, it is a chronic disorder that will persist into adulthood and that requires appropriate therapeutic management in order to reduce the possible impact in the various areas of life and increase the level of autonomy and well-being of these people.
The main autism screening tests
A basic aspect to be able to intervene in this disorder is to detect it. In this sense, numerous tests have been developed over the years in order to detect the presence of an autism spectrum disorder and the aspects that appear altered in each case. These tests can be passed to different agents, either to the minor themselves or more usually to parents and teachers.
Below we will see some of the best-known tests that are usually used in the detection of autism, recommended by well-known publishers such as TEA Ediciones or different organizations specialized in Autism.
It is important to keep in mind that the ones we are going to mention are not all that exist, but only some of the most representative ones. It should also be noted that, in this as in other disorders, the results of a test are not decisive or sufficient condition for the diagnosis, and other information such as those obtained in an interview, with the observation of the person or with the reports of other people
1. Observation Scale for the Diagnosis of Autism (ADOS)
One of the reference and best-known tests in the diagnosis of autism, it is a scale developed with the purpose of evaluating communication abilities, social interaction and play and use of materials and that offers cut-off points. It consists of four modules of which Only the one that is appropriate for the subject in question by age range and communicative level is applied A minimum mental age of two years is required and allows the minor to be evaluated based on his or her performance. Currently, more advanced editions can be found such as the ADOS 2. It can evaluate children and adults.
2. Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI)
The ADI and its review (ADI-R) are clinical interviews designed to carry out a comprehensive evaluation regarding a possible case of autism. It consists of around 93 questions (in the ADI-R version) which explore language, reciprocal social interaction and restricted behaviors/interests. It focuses on the typical behaviors of individuals with autism that rarely appear in people without this condition. The score can be coded and subsequently interpreted with algorithms, without having comparative scales.
3. Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS)
Instrument that evaluates adaptive behavior from birth to 89 years of age. It evaluates the areas of communication, use of community resources, functional academic skills, home life, school life, health and safety, leisure, self-care, self-direction, social, motor, and employment.
The second version (ABAS-II) also includes the conceptual, social and practical global indices. Although it is not only about autism, it allows us to evaluate the main areas affected by this disorder. It is the parents, teachers or relatives who generally answer and complete the test, although the subject themselves can also answer it.
4. Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
It is a Baron-Cohen questionnaire of 50 questions that is designed for the subject to answer, and is based on evaluating the degree of agreement (between total agreement and total disagreement, with a total of four possible answers) with each one of the different questions. In this sense we can find specific versions for different profiles, such as the Autism Spectrum Quotient for Children (AQC), Autism Spectrum Quotient for Adolescents (AQA) and Abbreviated Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQS).
They can also be filled out by relatives or teachers. Offers cutoff points that allow us to separate the old Kanner-type Autism from Asperger’s syndrome and allows different phenotypes to be distinguished.
This quick-to-use questionnaire must be answered by the subject’s caregivers, consisting of a total of 40 items that evaluate interaction problems, communication problems, and restricted and stereotyped behaviors. It has a form A that evaluates the subject’s entire life and a form B to assess the situation of the last three months. Depending on the result, it may be advisable to go to another more complete test such as the ADOS or the ADI.
6. Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)
This questionnaire is designed for children between seven and sixteen years of age, consisting of a total of 27 questions to be answered with Yes/No/Somewhat/Sometimes. It is more of a screening, and tends to focus more on the former Asperger’s (which is now part of autism spectrum disorder). Must be completed by parents and teachers and allows us to identify different predominant traits in minors with social interaction and behavior problems. Currently there is the extended revised version (ASSQ-REV), which is more complete.
Screening test to be answered by the minor’s parents. If this fails in more than three items, a more detailed examination should be carried out to assess the presence of ASD. Designed to evaluate children around two years of age, based on questions to be answered with Yes or No.
8. Autism Spectrum Inventory (IDEA)
Inventory generated with the purpose of evaluating a dozen characteristics of people with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Rather than detection, it focuses on assessing the severity of the patient’s condition. Allows you to identify the severity of autistic traits as well as generating treatment guidelines and testing the changes that these treatments generate.
Likewise, based on the score, the subject can be classified into four different types of autism (highlighting classic and Asperger’s, in addition to regressive autism and high-functioning autism. It must be completed by the professional based on the information from observation and interview of the environment.
9. Infant and Toddler Questionnaire (CSBS DP)
This is a scale that assesses the presence of different predictors of language and social communication. Designed to be spent between six months and two years. It must be completed by a parent, caregiver or person in frequent contact with the minor.
10. Children’s Asperger’s Syndrome Test (CAST)
37-question questionnaire that allows early detection characteristics of children with Asperger’s It is passed by parents of children between four and eleven years old.
