PhD Scientific Days 2022

Mental Health Sciences II. (Poster discussion will take place in the Aula during the Coffee Break)

Quality of life of children with autism - Tool development during the doctoral work

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Careful mapping of the developmental and clinical history, furthermore systematic rethinking of differential diagnostic questions and comorbidities can be a challenge in both clinical and research work in the field of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Aims: The aims of our research group are to validate and adapt tools for the diagnosis of ASD that can be used during the clinical and research work in Hungary.
Method: The Diagnostic Autism Spectrum Interview (DASI) is a semi-structured questionnaire that can be used in both childhood and adulthood but that has not been validated yet. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd edition, High Functioning Version (CARS2-HF) is a well-known, validated, wildly and easy-to-use, semi-structured diagnostic questionnaire. During the validation study of the DASI the CARS2-HF is planned to use as gold standard. High quality of the Hungarian translation of both DASI and CARS2-HF are ensured with multistep translation procedure.
Results: The DASI complies with the criteria of the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses. Its’ structure is based on a four-point system including consideration of differential diagnostic issues and associated disorders. The interview must be conducted by a qualified professional with a close relative in the case of children and the client in the case of adults.
Ph.D.work: Our research group received permission to the validation study of the DASI and to the adaptation of it to Hungarian. Initial translation of it is completed from the multistep translation procedure, we are currently in the process of backtranslation.
The CARS2-HF questionnaire can be used over 2 years of age and is structured by a series of questions consisting of 2x15 items. Filling it takes 5-10 minutes and is rated by a standard scoring.
Ph.D.work: Our research group received permission to the adaptation of the CARS2-HF to Hungarian, we are currently working on the initial translation of it.
Conclusion: Before starting the data collection further plans include the back translation, harmonization and pilot study of both instruments. By this work, we would like to provide validated tools to professionals to help the diagnoses proceder of ASD both in clinical practice and research.
Funding: There is no special financing support for the research.