Using the AQ-10 with adults who have a learning disability
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using the AQ-10 with adults who have a borderline or mild learning disability – a proposed measure adaptation.
IRAS ID
146916
Contact name
Elizabeth Kent
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Research summary
The introduction of the Autism Act (2009) identified the need for better services for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) reviewed its guidelines in 2012 which results in new recommendations for the recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum. They identified a need for a screening tool that could be used in clinical practice to help support the decision for a full diagnostic assessment. The AQ-10 questionnaire (Allison, Auyeung, Baron-Cohen, 2012)was recommended as it represented the best compromise between sensitivity, specificity, availability and ease.
It has been estimated that a high number of individuals with ASD also have a learning disability; however the AQ-10 questionnaire is not normed or validated for adults with a learning disability. Despite this, NICE have recommended using the AQ-10 with adults who have a borderline of mild learning disability.
The aim of this project is to investigate whether the existing AQ-10 is adequate for the need of screening adults with a borderline or mild learning disability who may have ASD. Based on the outcome of this, the project will consider adaptations that could be made to the AQ-10 that will improve its accessibility and sensitivity to the presence of ASD symptomatology in adults with a diagnosis of borderline or mild learning disability and autism.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0240
Date of REC Opinion
17 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion