A Review of Level 2 Parent-Report Instruments Used to Screen Children Aged 1.5–5 for Autism: A Meta-Analytic Update

The present study utilized meta-analytic procedures to estimate the diagnostic validity of instruments used to screen young children, ages 1.5–5 years, for autism. Five scales met inclusion criteria, and data from 18 studies contributed the meta-analysis. Results revealed that 4 of 5 scales met criteria for “good” validity, including two broad band scales (instruments not restricted to screening for autism). The current results suggest that validity differences might be a function of how instruments sample across the DSM content domains. Specifically, high validity instruments included a higher proportion of items assessing social interaction skills. The availability of valid broad- and narrow-band instruments, as well as implications for constructing future screening instruments, is discussed.