Which behaviors do autism spectrum disorder screening questionnaires examine?

Screening questionnaires for autism spectrum disorder are designed to identify developmental signs across three primary categories of behavior and functioning:

• Atypical Social Interaction: Screeners assess for challenges in establishing peer relationships, limited use of facial expressions, and difficulties with eye contact during social exchanges.12
• Communication Difficulties: Questionnaires examine delays in language development, a lack of conversational skills, diminished use of gestures, and an absence of appropriate developmental play.12
• Atypical Behaviors, Interests, and Activities: These tools look for restricted and repetitive patterns, such as stereotyped motor mannerisms (e.g., hand flapping), inflexible adherence to routines, and intense preoccupations with specific objects or parts of objects.12

Additionally, screenings may inquire about sensory or behavioral sensitivities, such as extreme preferences regarding food textures or colors, which are common in individuals on the spectrum. These evaluations help clinicians recognize early indicators, which can be apparent as early as one year of age.1