Statistical Observation on the Applicability of The Autism Spectrum Quotient: Children`S Version (Aq-Child) in the Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60059/SPL.2024.1.38-63Keywords:
AQ: Children`s Version (AQ-Child), autism, children with SEN, screening, statistical observationAbstract
The article presents a study investigating the feasibility of The Autism Spectrum Quotient: Children`s Version (Baron-Cohen et. al., 2007) as a screening tool for assessing markers associated with autism spectrum disorders in children aged 4–11 years. A two-stage study was conducted by surveying the parents of 39 children divided into 3 groups: the “Autism Spectrum Group” – children with autism spectrum disorders (AGR; n = 19); the “SEN Group” – children with other developmental disorders (SGR; n = 4); and the “Control Group” – typically developing children (CGR; n = 16). Analysis of the data revealed significant differences in outcomes between the different groups of children studied. Children in the autism spectrum group showed higher overall scores in all categories of autism traits with almost proportional patterns ranging from 74 to 130.5 points with a mean coefficient of 2.05. Children with other developmental disorders showed a mean total score of 62.5 points and a median coefficient value of 1.23. The control group had the lowest score, 44.53 points, with a median coefficient of 0.89. In addition, the analysis of variance – ANOVA – of the data showed that the scores of the children in the three groups of the study differed in terms of their skills in the areas covered by the questionnaire, suggesting that the survey instrument used has the potential to correctly reflect these differences.
The statistical observation conducted on the AQ-Child`s potential as a screening tool can complement the existing information on individuals with autism spectrum disorder in Bulgaria. In this sense, it would expand the possibilities of the existing assessment toolkit in the work of child development specialists to detect deviations and possible risks in key developmental areas.
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