by Michael Rutter, MD, FRS, Anthony Bailey, MD, et al.
Purpose: Offers a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to routinely screen for autism spectrum disorders
Age: Over 4.0 years, with a mental age over 2.0 year
Admin: Individual
Time: Less than 10 minute
Qualification Level: B
This brief instrument helps evaluate communication skills and social functioning in children who may have autism or autism spectrum disorders. Completed by a parent/adult or other primary caregiver in less than 10 minutes, the SCQ is a cost-effective way to determine whether an individual should be referred for a complete diagnostic evaluation.
The questionnaire can be used to evaluate anyone over age 4.0, as long as his or her mental age exceeds 2.0 years. It is available in two forms—Lifetime and Current—each composed of just 40 yes-or-no questions. Both forms can be given directly to the parent, who can answer the questions without supervision.