Who typically completes the Social Communication Questionnaire?

The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) is a screening tool designed to help identify individuals who may have social communication challenges, often associated with autism spectrum disorders. It is structured as a parent-report questionnaire, which means that it is primarily completed by the child's parent or caregiver. This is because parents or caregivers have an intimate understanding of the child's behavior and communication patterns in various contexts, making them the most reliable source of information regarding the child's social interactions and communication skills.

While healthcare workers and teachers may be involved in the assessment process and can provide valuable insights, their knowledge typically comes from observing the child in specific settings rather than in a comprehensive manner across different environments. Therefore, the parent's or caregiver's input is crucial for obtaining a full picture of the child's social communication abilities. By filling out the questionnaire, parents help professionals understand the child's behavior in daily life, which is essential for appropriate evaluation and intervention.