Development and testing of an autism screening measure for use with gifted children

An evaluation of the impact of the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic group and cognitive ability on the presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms

“…It is not supported in identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder, giftedness, or twice-exceptionality. Further, test development for this measure is not consistent with the procedures used in developing the twice-exceptional screening measure in development (Behrens, et al, 2012;Foley Nicpon, Behrens, & Candler, 2013;Lyon, et al, 2012). Development of the form used in the current study included several processes consistent with test development theory (DeVellis, 2012); however, several important elements were not included.…”

“…completed the SRS and ASSQ screening tools in a previous study (Sussman & Foley Nicpon, 2011). This prior study was completed in the process of developing an Autism Spectrum Disorder-screening tool intended for use with twice-exceptional children and adolescents (Behrens, et al, 2012;Foley Nicpon, Behrens, & Candler, 2013;Lyon, et al, 2012). Parents included in this prior study were recruited based off of participation in a psychological evaluation at the Belin-Blank Assessment and Counseling Clinic, which is a Midwestern, university-based assessment and counseling clinic.…”

“…While it does not provide authoritative findings that describe the population, it opens windows into several areas that require further inquiry (e.g., features of social communication and restricted and repetitive behavior deficits). Some of these questions are being addressed through ongoing research projects, such as the development of a symptom screening questionnaire for children and adolescents who are twice-exceptional (e.g., Behrens, et al, 2012;Foley Nicpon, Behrens, & Candler, 2013;Lyon, et al, 2012).…”

“…While some support for current screening tools is provided in these findings, study limitations (e.g., lack of diversity data in the sample, limited breadth of screening tools, lack of an average intellectual ability comparison sample) underscore the necessity of additional similar studies. Development of screening tools that are intended for use with twice-exceptional children and adolescents (e.g., Behrens, et al, 2012;Foley Nicpon, Behrens, & Candler, 2013;Lyon, et al, 2012) are necessary.…”

“…Measures such as the CARS-2-HF (Schopler, van Bourgondien, Wellman, & Love, 2010) are intended for use with children of at least average intellectual ability; however, form and item development progressed without consideration to giftedness. Thus, clinicians must evaluate tools that are instead intended for use with children and adolescents with either a "High Autism Spectrum Disorder in high ability youth is critical (e.g., Behrens, et al, 2012;Foley Nicpon, Behrens, & Candler, 2013;Lyon, et al, 2012). Development of these measures should incorporate consideration of form and test development procedures, such that a symptom screening tool is developed with the explicit use of identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms in high ability youth.…”