background There is increasing interest in the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders in adulthood. The development of a reliable screening instrument for autism spectrum disorders could reduce the time and effort required for the diagnostic process.
aim To validate two self-report screening questionnaires for autism spectrum disorders. method The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (aq) and the Adult Social Behaviour Questionnaire (Vragenlijst voor Inventarisatie van Sociaal gedrag bij Volwassenen, vis-v) were tested on a sample of 36 patients referred to a specialist autism assessment and on 349 psychiatric out-patients.
results No significant difference was found between patients with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and patients with other psychiatric diagnoses.
conclusion When the aq and the vis-v are used in clinical practice, the results should be interpreted with caution.