The sensitivity of an autism test, when using a recommended cut-off score of 11, varies depending on the presence of phrase speech in the individual being assessed. Overall, the test shows a sensitivity of 42% for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Understanding the different sensitivities can provide a more nuanced view:
- Overall ASD: The test is able to correctly identify 42% of individuals who have ASD.
- ASD without phrase speech: For individuals with ASD who do not use phrase speech, the sensitivity is significantly higher, indicating the test is more effective at identifying them.
- ASD with phrase speech: For individuals with ASD who do use phrase speech, the sensitivity is lower, suggesting the test may miss a higher proportion of these cases.
Detailed Sensitivity Breakdown
The table below provides a clearer picture of the autism test's sensitivity across different groups:
| Category | Sensitivity (95% Confidence Interval) |
|---|---|
| ASD Overall | 42% (37–47) |
| ASD without phrase speech | 69% (58–79) |
| ASD with phrase speech | 34% (29–40) |
It's important to note that while sensitivity indicates how well a test identifies true positives, another crucial measure is specificity, which indicates how well it identifies true negatives. In this context, with the cut-off of 11, the specificity was found to be 89% (95% CI 89–90). This suggests that the test is generally effective at correctly identifying individuals who do not have ASD.
For more information on diagnostic tools and criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, you can consult resources from reputable health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
