Using the SIAHA scale as a screening tool for Level 1 autism spectrum disorder in adulthood: a pilot study

Objective Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication and relational skills, associated with repetitive verbal and motor behaviors, restricted patterns of interest, need for a predictable and stable environment, and hypo-or hypersensitivity to sensory inputs. Even if clinical symptoms are present since early childhood, not rarely this disorder is not diagnosed since adulthood especially in individuals with high functioning autism or Level 1 of functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to pilot test a newly developed screening tool to assist clinicians in detecting this condition both in the general population and in psychiatric patients. Methods In this study we have developed and tested a screening tool, the SIAHA (Screening Instrument for Adult with High-Functioning Autism), to assist clinicians, especially those not specialized in ASD, in detecting ASD Level 1. To test the validity of the SIAHA we examined it in three groups: ASD group, a psychopathological group, and a non-clinical group. Results From the results obtained by comparing the SIAHA total scores across the different groups, it emerges that this tool could assist psychiatrists in better identifying the presence of basic autism criteria during initial screenings. Conclusion The use of the SIAHA could potentially be beneficial in reducing the misdiagnoses often attributed to adult with autism.