BAPQ - Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire

Lexicon [Measures] - BAPQ

 The BAPQ (Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire) is a self-report measure designed to assess traits associated with the broader autism phenotype (BAP) in individuals (ages 16 and up) who do not have a clinical autism dx. Its primary goal is to identify and quantify autistic-like characteristics in relatives of autistics and in the general population.

The BAPQ consists of 36 items that assess three subdomains related to the BAP: aloof personality, rigidity, and pragmatic language deficits. Each item is rated on a Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 6 (strongly agree), indicating the extent to which the statement applies to the individual.

Scoring of the BAPQ involves summing the ratings for each item or subdomain to obtain a total score or subscale scores, respectively. Higher scores indicate a greater presence of BAP characteristics. The BAPQ is typically completed by individuals themselves, reflecting their own perceptions of their behaviors and traits.

Limitations

• Self-report bias: The BAPQ relies on individuals' self-perceptions and may be subject to response biases or limited insight into their own behaviors. This can potentially affect the accuracy and reliability of the reported BAP traits.
• Lack of clinical diagnosis: The BAPQ does not provide a clinical diagnosis of autism or determine eligibility for ASD-related services. It primarily aims to identify and quantify autistic-like characteristics, but it cannot replace a comprehensive diagnostic assessment conducted by qualified professionals.

The BAPQ was developed by Dr. Jillian P. Leydon, Dr. Catherine R. Lord, and Dr. Susan F. Folstein in 2006.