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.