Differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders using the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Second Edition-Parent Rating Scale (BASC-2 PRS) content scales

This study examines the usefulness of the BASC-2 PRS content scales as a differential diagnostic instrument for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Archival data of mothers' behavior ratings of 50 children, ages 8 to 18, collected through a university research study were used. As a prerequisite, only children with an existing diagnosis of an ASD were included. Participants were grouped by diagnosis of High Functioning Autism (HFA), Asperger's Disorder (AD), and Pervasive Developmental Disorder---Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and by sex. The HFA and AD subgroups reached levels of clinical significance on the Developmental Social Disorder and Resiliency content scales. No significant main effects for diagnostic group or sex and no interactions were found. Exploratory post-hoc analyses revealed significant differences between the PDD-NOS subgroup and the HFA and AD subgroups on several content scales. Results indicate the utility of the BASC-2 PRS content scales in differential diagnostic essays.