Specificity and sensitivity of the social communication questionnaire lifetime screening tool for autism spectrum disorder in a UK CAMHS service

Introduction The Social Communication Questionnaire is used to identify children and young people (CYP) who may require formal ASD assessment. However, there is a paucity of research on its utility in Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. This evaluation aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) in a UK, Midlands CAMHS service. Method Forty young people (mean age 13.75 years) were screened using the caregiver reported SCQ before completing 'gold standard' assessment. Results The SCQ had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 25.7%. ROC curve analysis indicated low diagnostic accuracy. Differences in predictive accuracy of SCQ and diagnostic standard were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusion This evaluation builds on previous research suggesting that the SCQ may not be an efficient screening tool in CAMHS settings.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) in a Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. The results showed that the SCQ had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 25.7%, indicating low diagnostic accuracy.