Application of Psychometric Approach for ASD Evaluation in Russian 3–4-Year-Olds

Background: Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a significant socio-biological problem due to its wide prevalence and negative outcomes. In the current study, we aimed develop an autism scale for early accurate differentiation of 3- 4-year-olds at risk ASD since there no systematic monitoring young children in Russia yet. Methods: The total sample (N = 324) included 116 with ASD, 131 without (healthy controls), 77 developmental delay (DD). An online survey specialists working was conducted based on specially designed questionnaire consisting 85 multiple-choice tasks distributed across 12 domains. Initially, each child assessed by 434 items using dichotomous (0 no, 1 yes). Factor discriminant analyses were performed identify compact set subscales that most accurately sufficient reliability predicted whether belongs group. Results: As result, four obtained: Sensorics, Emotions, Hyperactivity, Communication. high discriminability distinguishing group from non-ASD revealed (accuracy 85.5–87.0%). Overall, obtained meet psychometric requirements allow creating screening system application.