Development and validation of the conversation questionnaire: A psychometric measure of communication challenges generated from the self-reports of autistic people

Abstract

Existing measures of communication challenges in autism are based on diagnostic criteria and research/clinical observations of autistic people, rather than what autistic people themselves identify as difficulties. In this study, the Conversation Questionnaire (CQ) was developed based on community engagement with autistic people to identify what they find challenging about conversation. This new tool was then administered online to autistic, dyslexic and neurotypical people ( N = 312) in a validation phase of the study. Item-response theory modelling indicated that a two-dimensional structure accounted for response patterns. These dimensions reflected difficulties knowing what to say (15 items) and engaging in behaviours possibly disruptive to neurotypical conversation (21 items). The dimensions showed good internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validity, and could distinguish between autistic and neurotypical people ( d = 1.59 and d = 2.07 respectively). The CQ might help contribute to diagnostic assessment for autism in adults as part of a holistic assessment. The questionnaire might also be useful with other neurodiverse groups, and provide a tool for clinicians and researchers to identify individuals’ strengths and difficulties in conversation (e.g., as part of interventions in speech and language therapy).

Creation of social interaction environments with robot for autistic children: analysis of assessment instruments and type of activities

“…Thus, there are parameters such as the validity of the questionnaires that can condition the diagnosis made. Secondly, the tools used are based on diagnostic criteria and on clinical and research observations of autistic people, rather than on what autistic people themselves identify as difficulties (Wilson, 2022).…”

The mediating role of childhood motor skills on the association between error correction and social pragmatic communication in adulthood

“…The CQ is a measure of communication challenges often experienced by autistic individuals (Wilson, 2022). The CQ includes 44 items scored on a 3-point Likert scale (Most situations, some situations and rarely/never).…”

“…Early perceptual and attentional components form the basis of further development of joint attention, imitation, and, finally, language and social pragmatic communication (SPC) (Edmunds, Ibañez, Warren, Messinger, & Stone, 2017;Frost, Pomales-Ramos, & Ingersoll, 2022;Hanika & Boyer, 2019;Poon, Watson, Baranek, & Poe, 2012). SPC refers to the use of language in social contexts, which involves understanding the speaker's intentions, the listener's perspective, and the conversational norms, as well as adjusting one's speech style, tone, and content according to the situation and the partner (Wilson, 2022). The development of SPC is thought to be influenced by early motor skills such as reaching, grasping, pointing, and gesturing, as these skills enable the infant to share attention and interest, learn from others, and express intentions and emotions (LeBarton & Landa, 2019).…”

From Puzzle to Progress: How Engaging With Neurodiversity Can Improve Cognitive Science

“…For instance, community‐driven research on autism prioritizes different dimensions than research originating from neurotypical researchers. This has fed into newer quantitative studies and scale development (Garau et al., 2022; Wilson, 2022), though it is still in the minority. Going forward, such work should prioritize intersectionality (e.g., to combat Whiteness‐centered stereotypes of autism; Botha, Dibb, & Frost, 2022).…”