The Hebrew Version of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-Heb) as a Screening Instrument for Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions

Background: The broader definition of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) resulted in diagnosis of individuals with ASC way into adulthood. This called for screening instruments which could assist in defining the need for a full clinical diagnosis amongst adults, especially in countries in which diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA) has not been common. This study evaluates The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ, Baron-Cohen et al, 2001), in its Hebrew version (AQ-Heb), as a self-report instrument for adults, screened for ASC in Israel.

Objectives: To evaluate the statistical properties of the AQ-Heb with a sample of adults diagnosed with ASC and a matched sample of adults from the general population. In addition, we compared a self vs. parental report on the AQ for a subsample of the two groups.

Methods: The clinical group comprised 41 adults (11 females), diagnosed with ASC by professional clinicians according to DSM-IV criteria. They were matched to a general population group of 123 adults (44 females) on age, sex ratio, and level of education. Participants in both groups filled in the AQ-Heb. In the second part of the study, parents of 20 adults from each group filled in the AQ-Heb with regards to their children.

Results: the clinical group scored significantly higher on the ASC-Heb, compared to the general population group, with no sex differences in either group. The average AQ-Heb score for the clinical group (Mean=27.2, Std.=8.0) was lower than previously reported. A cutoff score of 22 yielded sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.82. In addition, a significant correlation between age and AQ-Heb score (r=0.32) was found only for the clinical group. Parental reports on the AQ-Heb were significantly higher than self-report for the clinical subsample, but not for the general population subsample. These findings may reflect poor self-awareness amongst some of the young adults diagnosed with ASC. Similar findings have been previously reported with British participants (Golan & Baron-Cohen, 2006).

Conclusions: The AQ-Heb may serve as a good screening instrument for ASC amongst Israeli adults. However, in scores close to the cut-off, especially with younger respondents, additional parental report may be required as part of the screening process.