Abstract
We assessed the validity and determined cut-off scores for the Finnish Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ). A population
sample of 8-year-old children (n = 4,408) was rated via the ASSQ by parents and/or teachers, and a subgroup of 104 children was examined via structured interview,
semi-structured observation, IQ measurement, school observation, and medical records. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) were
diagnosed following DSM-IV-TR criteria. A search for hospital-registered ASDs was performed. For Finnish higher-functioning
primary school-aged, 7- to 12-year-olds, the optimal cut-off score was 30 in clinical settings and 28 in total population
screening using summed ASSQ scores of parents’ and teachers’ ratings. Determining appropriate cut-off scores in ASD screening
in different languages and in different cultures is of utmost importance.
sample of 8-year-old children (n = 4,408) was rated via the ASSQ by parents and/or teachers, and a subgroup of 104 children was examined via structured interview,
semi-structured observation, IQ measurement, school observation, and medical records. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) were
diagnosed following DSM-IV-TR criteria. A search for hospital-registered ASDs was performed. For Finnish higher-functioning
primary school-aged, 7- to 12-year-olds, the optimal cut-off score was 30 in clinical settings and 28 in total population
screening using summed ASSQ scores of parents’ and teachers’ ratings. Determining appropriate cut-off scores in ASD screening
in different languages and in different cultures is of utmost importance.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-19
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-012-1464-5
- Authors
- Marja-Leena Mattila, Clinic of Child Psychiatry, University and University Hospital of Oulu, P.O. Box 26, 90029 Oulu, Finland
- Katja Jussila, Clinic of Child Psychiatry, University and University Hospital of Oulu, P.O. Box 26, 90029 Oulu, Finland
- Sirkka-Liisa Linna, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
- Marko Kielinen, Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 2000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
- Risto Bloigu, Medical Informatics Group, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
- Sanna Kuusikko-Gauffin, Clinic of Child Psychiatry, University and University Hospital of Oulu, P.O. Box 26, 90029 Oulu, Finland
- Leena Joskitt, Clinic of Child Psychiatry, University and University Hospital of Oulu, P.O. Box 26, 90029 Oulu, Finland
- Hanna Ebeling, Clinic of Child Psychiatry, University and University Hospital of Oulu, P.O. Box 26, 90029 Oulu, Finland
- Tuula Hurtig, Clinic of Child Psychiatry, University and University Hospital of Oulu, P.O. Box 26, 90029 Oulu, Finland
- Irma Moilanen, Clinic of Child Psychiatry, University and University Hospital of Oulu, P.O. Box 26, 90029 Oulu, Finland
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257