Brief assessment measures for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The use of brief assessment methods to inform the diagnostic process for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
IRAS ID
311502
Contact name
Catherine Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is traditionally a time-consuming process that involves lengthy, detailed methods of assessment. The proposed research examines the use of briefer assessment methods designed to streamline the diagnostic process. \n\nThe research will collect information using brief questionnaires and an abbreviated clinical interview. We will examine measurement reliability and validity of these methods. We will also study whether the pattern of clinical features found by these methods differs according to various factors (e.g. the age or gender of the individual). \n\nWe will analyse data that is routinely collected as part of autism diagnostic services for adults. The current study extends previously approved research (IRAS: 271107 – REC Reference: 19/SC/0461) led by PI Gareth Davies, clinical psychology trainee (DClin. Psych thesis 2020, https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/134526/) which explored the same questions with a small sample (N=76). Preliminary evidence was found for convergent and cross-informant validity between measures. Our new project will extend this research to a larger sample. The study also builds on previously published research (Carrington et al.;2019; publication in J. Aut. And Dev Disorders. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-019-04214-7), which examined autistic features according to age (adults versus children) but a more fully powered study is needed that enables assessment of other factors.\n\nChanges to the previously approved project (IRAS: 271107 – REC Reference: 19/SC/0461) justify a new project application. The current project will be led by a new CI and include new members of the research team. The new project will enable new finer-grained analyses to be carried out with anonymised datasets for up to 350 individuals and will enable us to meet reformulated objectives of: (a) measurement validity and (b) factors influencing the pattern of assessment. \n
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SW/0127
Date of REC Opinion
4 Aug 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion