Screening accuracy of the parent-completed Ages and Stages Questionnaires – second edition as a broadband screener for motor problems in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders

What is it about?

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at risk for motor problems. However, this area is often overlooked in developmental evaluations conducted in autism diagnostic clinics. Instead of conducting a detailed test of motor skills with children as part of their diagnostic assessment, an alternative may be to identify children who should receive a detailed assessment of motor skills by asking parents to complete a questionnaire. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-2) may be used to identify motor problems in children with ASD. Forty-three children with ASD (between 22 and 54 months of age) participated in this study. All of the children in the study had an IQ in the typical range (i.e., they did not have intellectual disabilities). The ASQ-2 scores of the children were compared to their scores on a formal evaluation of motor skill, using a test called the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (PDMS-2). Results revealed that the capacity of the ASQ-2 to identify motor problems in preschoolers with ASD is limited. It is recommended to include a formal standardized motor test (such as the PDMS-2) in the diagnostic assessment for all children with ASD.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Children with autism spectrum disorders are at risk for motor problems. This area is often overlooked in developmental evaluations conducted in autism diagnostic clinics. Asking parents to complete a questionnaire such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) to evaluate the children’s motor development is not sufficient. The multidisciplinary diagnostically assessment of children at risk for autism should include a standardized motor test.

Perspectives