Are short questionnaires as valid as longer versions when identifying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other social communication behaviors?

ECHO researchers Kristen Lyall, Craig Newschaffer, and others hoped to answer this question in their research titled, “Distributional properties and criterion validity of a shortened version of the Social Responsiveness Scale: Results from the ECHO program and implications for social communication research.” This publication, featured in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, examines how well a shortened version of a social communication questionnaire identified behaviors related to ASD and social communication compared to the longer, established version.

More than 3,000 parents from across the United States participated in this study, nearly 200 of which had a child with ASD.

In all, the team found that the short form did well predicting ASD diagnosis and measuring social communication behaviors. These results suggest that shorter surveys can provide correct information about ASD, which would be quicker and easier for the participant to complete. However, more research is needed to see how the short questionnaire compares in other ways to the longer version.

This work is especially important because it may help address the needs of people who do not have autism but face challenges in social communication and could benefit from help. Additionally, it may help reduce the time it takes to complete surveys while still accurately capturing and addressing social communication challenges in those with and without ASD.

For more information, read the study summary.