The use of Arabic version of Social Communication Questionnaires (SCQ) in School Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Qatar

Introduction The prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Qatar is uncertain, obtaining a reliable estimate is important in shedding the light on the magnitude of the problem, and help in better planning for providing the health care facilities needed for early detection and management of this disorder, since early intensive rehabilitation can improve the outcome of those affected tremendously. Aims of the study To estimate the prevalence rate of ASD among children age 5–12 years residing in Qatar. Methodology The research plan is to identify children with possible ASD among children attending ordinary primary schools as a “Low Probability Group”, through using the Social Communication Questionnaires (SCQ), and those who score above the cut-off point will be further diagnosed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and/or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS–2). Results We worked on translating the English version of SCQ to Arabic, and we worked to validate this ver...