Abstract
The Autism Mental Status Examination (AMSE) described here is an eight-item observational assessment that prompts the observation and recording of signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The AMSE is intended to take place seamlessly in the context of a clinical exam and produces a total score. Subjects were independently administered the AMSE and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). The ADOS was used to estimate the most effective criterion cut-off on the AMSE. A score of five or greater produced excellent sensitivity and good specificity in a high-risk sample. Internal consistency was acceptable and inter-rater reliability was good to excellent. Preliminary findings indicate excellent classification accuracy and suggest that the AMSE provides a rapid and reliable observational assessment in a high-risk population.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank all of our participants and their families. We would also like to acknowledge the psychologists and research coordinators who assisted with data collection. Many thanks to Vance Zemon for his assistance. This study was supported by the Beatrice and Samuel A. Seaver Foundation.
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Grodberg, D., Weinger, P.M., Kolevzon, A. et al. Brief Report: The Autism Mental Status Examination: Development of a Brief Autism-Focused Exam. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 455–459 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1255-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1255-4