What is it about?
The AQ10 is a widely used tool for screening adults for autistic traits. For the last decade, however, clinical guidelines have mistakenly recommended a suboptimal cutoff value that is 1-point greater than the optimal screening score. In this study, we examined the impact that this error may have had on autism research. We found that over 50% of papers report a suboptimal cutoff value, and that using a suboptimal screening value can cause participants to be misclassified as having low autistic traits, which can lead to inaccurate research findings.
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Why is it important?
Our findings show that even a small numerical change in a psychological screening tool can have a major impact on research. We identified that many studies have relied on a suboptimal AQ10 cutoff score, and empirically demonstrate that this can lead to misclassifications and inaccurate findings about autism traits. This work highlights the need for clearer and more consistent reporting of cutoff values in autism research, to improve the accuracy and reliability of research outcomes.
Perspectives
Working on this study has been an eye-opening experience in understanding how small errors can have a big impact. I hope this article raises awareness about the importance of using accurate and transparent research practices, not just for autism research, but across wider psychology and clinical assessment practices. By ensuring that research findings are clear and based on the best available evidence, we can improve both scientific integrity and patient care.
Lucy Waldren
University of Bath
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The importance of using an optimal cutoff value for the 10-item Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ10)., Psychological Assessment, February 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/pas0001339.
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