Comparison of two screening instruments for additional psychopathology in children with autism spectrum disorder

Introduction: High rates of co-occurring psychiatric disorders have been reported in older children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early identification of comorbid problems is crucial in the... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction:
High rates of co-occurring psychiatric disorders have been reported in older children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early identification of comorbid problems is crucial in the management of ASD as the impact of additional problems can be reduced using evidence-based interventions. Screening instruments are available but few have been validated for use with children with ASD. This study examines the reliability and validity of the Developmental Behaviour Questionnaire (DBC) and the Profile of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (PONS) in identifying additional psychopathology in young children with ASD.

Methodology:
The DBC and PONS were completed by parent/carers of 277 children with ASD, aged 4-9. Twenty-three parent/carers repeated the questionnaires within 9 months. DSM-IV psychiatric diagnoses were elicited for 101 children using the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment.

Results:
Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the DBC generated a 5-factor solution accounting for 53% of the total variance; factors were similar to the disruptive/antisocial, self-absorbed, communication, anxiety and social-relating subscales previously reported. EFA of the PONS generated a 4-factor solution accounting for 93% of the total variance, broadly mapping onto the domains of neurodevelopmental disability, behaviour/emotional dysregulation, psychoses/personality dysfunction, anxiety/depression as previously reported. The relationship between the questionnaire measures and subsequent DSM-IV diagnoses will be presented using receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis and logistic regression, thus determining the validity of both questionnaires in measuring additional psychopathology in young children with ASD.

Conclusions:
Findings will point to whether either instrument could be recommended as part of the routine care of children with ASD.

The study has been approved by Camden and King's Cross NHS Research Ethics Committee, REC reference: 14/LO/2098. Susie Chandler, Gillian Baird and Fernando Salazar have no conflicts of interest. Emily Simonoff is a member of... [ view full abstract ]

The study has been approved by Camden and King's Cross NHS Research Ethics Committee, REC reference: 14/LO/2098. Susie Chandler, Gillian Baird and Fernando Salazar have no conflicts of interest. Emily Simonoff is a member of the conference committee.