Review of the Asperger's Syndrome Diagnostic Scale

Goldstein S Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Vol 32, 2002, pages 611-614.

The Asperger's Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (2001) was reviewed to determine it's reliability, validity, and clinical utility in the diagnostic process for pervasive developmental disorder, specifically Asperger's Syndrome. Concerns were raised about validity of the instrument, population upon which the instrument was normed, capability of the instrument to provide accurate differential diagnoses, and properties of the scale. The measure was determined to hold promise ass a research tool, but there appears to be little evidence that it can distinguish among the various types of pervasive developmental disorder or diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome specifically.

Myles, Bock, and Simpson have developed and published the Asperger's Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS) (2001, Pro-Ed Publishers). The manual indicates that it is appropriate for use with individuals between the ages of 5 and 18 for the purpose of identifying AS, developing treatment and educational goals, and monitoring progress. It contains 50 items grouped into five subscales (Language, Social, Maladaptive, Cognitive, and Sensorimotor). Items are summed across all categories to provide an overall Asperger Syndrome Quotient (ASQ) that indicates the likelihood that an individual has AS. It can be filled out by either parents or professionals/teachers who have had sustained direct contact with the individual and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.