Measuring Autism Traits in the Adult General Population with the Brief Autism-Spectrum Quotient, AQ-10: Findings from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort

BackgroundThe autism-spectrum quotient scale was developed to study autism as a spectrum. Few studies have examined the psychometric properties of the 10 item AQ (AQ-10). We examine the AQ-10 measurement ability and convergent validity in a population health survey (n=44,722).MethodsThe item severity and item discrimination was assessed using item response theory. Convergent validity was assessed by regressing on ADHD, psychological distress (PD) and having an education in the sciences.ResultsWhilst unidimensional, the AQ-10 had some poorly fitting items. Item discrimination ranged from very low to very high. The scale correlated as hypothesised with the regress expected when factoring in ADHD, PD and possessing an eduction in the sciences.ConclusionThe AQ-10 has adequate validity in the present sample and may be used in s as a measure of autistic traits. In Conclusion, The AQ-10 has adequate validity to be used in health surveys as a measure of autistic traits, although some items may perform poorly.