What is the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire used for?

The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire is primarily designed as a tool completed by parents and teachers, consisting of a checklist with 27 items that aim to identify potential signs of autism spectrum disorder in children. This screening helps gather valuable information about the child's behavior, communication, and social skills from people who interact with the child regularly, which can aid in determining if further evaluation or assessment is necessary. The focus on input from both parents and teachers enhances the understanding of the child's functioning across different environments, making it a crucial first step in the identification process for autism spectrum disorder. This tool is not a comprehensive diagnostic procedure, nor is it a systematic therapy approach or a behavioral observation tool, as its primary purpose is to screen for possible indicators of autism rather than provide in-depth diagnosis or intervention strategies.