Protocol for the development and testing of the schiZotypy Autism Questionnaire (ZAQ) in adults: a new screening tool to discriminate autism spectrum disorder from schizotypal disorder.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizotypal disorder (SD) both have a heterogenous presentation, with significant overlaps in symptoms and behaviour. Due to elevated recognition and knowledge of ASD worldwide, there is a growing rate of referrals from primary health professionals to specialised units. At all levels of assessment, the differential diagnostic considerations between ASD and SD exert major challenges for clinicians.

Validation of a screening tool for autism spectrum disorder in adults - a study protocol.

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults is exhibiting an increase in prevalence, and a growing rate of referrals is observed from primary health professionals to specialised units. The heterogeneous clinical presentation and high prevalence of comorbidity seen in ASD challenges the case identification, emphasising the need for screening tools with a high validity and reliability. Previously, satisfactory psychometric properties of the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale - Revised (RAADS-R) have been demonstrated, and it is a widely used screening tool in Denmark.