Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
09:16
Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers
Published on: March 14, 2018
10.4K
Psychometric Evaluation of Two Adult Autism Screening Tools in Brazil
Louise do Nascimento Marques1, Christopher Murray2, Lucas Fortaleza3
1Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Summary
New screening tools, Screening for Autism in Adults (SfA-A) and Screening for Autism in Females (SfA-F), show promise for identifying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Brazilian adults. These instruments aim to reduce underdiagnosis, particularly among women.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Psychometrics
- Global Health
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly diagnosed globally, yet underdiagnosis persists in low- and middle-income countries like Brazil.
- Women with ASD often exhibit subtle symptoms and camouflaging behaviors, leading to potential misdiagnosis or delayed identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate two novel screening instruments, the Screening for Autism in Adults (SfA-A) and Screening for Autism in Females (SfA-F), for improved ASD detection in Brazilian adults.
- To address critical gaps in adult ASD screening within the Brazilian population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) on large samples of Brazilian adults (N=3302 for SfA-A, N=7738 for SfA-F).
- Assessed reliability using Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, and test-retest methods.
- Determined criterion validity against the AQ-10 and other autism-related questions, establishing percentile-based norms.
Main Results:
- Both SfA-A and SfA-F demonstrated strong model fit through factor analyses.
- Instruments exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha > 0.8) and initial criterion validity.
- Norms were successfully established based on percentile rankings for the Brazilian adult population.
Conclusions:
- The SfA-A and SfA-F are validated tools designed to enhance ASD screening for adults in Brazil.
- These instruments show significant potential for identifying individuals with ASD symptoms, facilitating further diagnostic evaluation.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Self-Report Tests of Personality
456
Self-report inventories are objective personality assessments that use multiple-choice items or numbered scales, typically ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). They are often called Likert scales after Rensis Likert. These inventories are widely used due to their ease of administration and cost-effectiveness. One of the most prominent examples is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), initially developed in the 1940s to assess abnormal personality traits.
456
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
339
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
339