ASRS is a tool used to measure behavior related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The kit consists of a wide range of behaviors related to autism spectrum disorders. This includes attention deficits, difficulties in peer and family relationships, and problems with communication skills.
ASRSis intended for the study of ASD in children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years. ASD includes autistic disorders, Asperger's disorders, and other pervasive developmental disorders. The survey is assessed by teachers, parents or guardians of the child. The kit is helpful in terms of making decisions related to the diagnosis and in the process of making and planning a therapy.
ASRS as a diagnostic tool
In individual diagnosis, ASRS can be used as an aid in the diagnostic process. The results obtained in the questionnaire, combined with the information obtained from the interview and clinical observation, allow to make a decision relating to the treatment plan.
It is also used in screening groups of children in schools and kindergartens. This allows for the presence of the need for a broader diagnosis or the required support of a given child.
In clinical trials, it is possible to compare the ASRS results at the beginning of the therapy and its specific moments, with the aim of checking whether the given program is related to the change in the child's behavior.
On the other hand, in the research subjects, the results of the group of subjects at the beginning of the therapy and after its completion can be compared. Questionnaires are also useful in various types of research projects. It is used by psychologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists.
ASRS application rules
The questionnaires are filled in by people who freely read the texts in Polish. It should be remembered that the context of conducting the study has a large impact on the results obtained - the relationship of the parent or teacher conducting the study with the patient. These results should be compared with data from other sources that are important for diagnostic decisions and treatment planning.
For a complete picture of the respondent, it is necessary to combine the data from the survey with the questionnairedata from other sources, in particular from:
- clinical follow-up,
- interview,
- contact
- and conversations with the respondent and people around him.
The results should be interpreted taking into account also additional factors that may influence them:
- tendency to give socially approved answers,
- difficulty understanding test items
- and inattentive completion of the questionnaire.
ASRS is a set of questionnaires whose items have been selected to enable ASD diagnosis and effective intervention. Each scale has its limitations, but if used appropriately, ASRS can be useful in describing difficulties, collecting information about the child from parents, carers and teachers, planning therapy, and evaluating treatment outcomes.
Test procedure
The examiner should follow the scheme of the test procedure. This helps to increase the respondent's willingness to cooperate. It also enables obtaining the necessary information and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Check whether the parent or legal guardian has given informed consent to conduct the study. Allow enough time to complete the questionnaire at once.
The person completing the questionnaire must know what their task is. It should be noted that the ASRS scale examines certain behaviors that sometimes occur in children and adolescents.
We usually use general language, for example avoiding the word autism, so as not to affect our answers. We convey to the person filling in that there are no right or wrong answers and that each of them should be based on their own observations.
You should also explain the confidentiality of the audit. Describing these principles contributes to greater honesty in answering and is an important element of ethical standards.