Asperger Syndrome
Diagnostic Scale

The Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS) offers a viable way of measuring whether or not a child has Asperger Syndrome. This exam is easy to administer and it yields reliable results!

Please explain more about the ASDS.

The Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale was developed to help determine if a child is likely to have the Asperger disorder. This developmental exam consists of fifty yes/no questions that take about fifteen minutes to complete.

• The Asperger test scores are evaluated and rated on an AS scale.

• The results are compared between the subject and other children with Aspergers.

• These results reveal whether or not the child is likely to have the disorder.

While the ASDS score is not a formal diagnosis, it helps to determine if the child should have further evaluation. The results are quite reliable, and the process helps to move the child along quicker when it comes to attaining a proper diagnosis of Asperger syndrome.

How is this test administered?

Administering the AS Diagnostic Scale exam is a relatively uncomplicated process. The rating scale is simple to use and merely consists of carefully chosen inquiries. Ironically, the child does not take the exam. Just about anyone who knows the child well answers the fifty questions.

People who qualify to take the ASDS for a child include his parents, siblings, teachers, or a professional who works directly with the child. The questions can be completed in about fifteen minutes. This test is designed to assess children ages five through eighteen.

What type of questions are on the ASDS?

There are 50 questions on the ASDS. These inquiries cover five different aspects of behavior:

1. cognition
2. language skills
3. social interactions
4. sensorimotor
5. maladaptive behavior

The exam questions cover each of these areas. For example ...

• Cognitive questions concern how the child processes information.

• Language skills measures the child’s ability to manage spoken and written communication.

• Social interaction skills vary from one-on-one to being in a group as well as family interactions.

• Sensorimotor questions would include inquires about reactions to sensory input and questions about gross motor skills.

• Maladaptive behavior concerns stereotyped repetitive movements, inflexibility, and tantrums.

What are the benefits of the AS Diagnostic Scale?

The ASDS is a valuable tool for you to gain insight to a possible developmental delay. Asperger syndrome is difficult to detect in many cases because the children are typically high functioning and quite intelligent.

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