Comorbid psychopathology factor structure on the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part 2 (BISCUIT-Part 2)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a topic receiving great attention from researchers and clinicians in the field. However, many of these studies focus on children or adults, with research on infants and toddlers evincing ASD being virtually non-existent. Even more scant is information pertaining to the assessment of symptoms of comorbid psychopathology in this young population. Nonetheless, it is essential to identify comorbid conditions in addition to the symptoms associated with the core features of ASD. Building on the effectiveness of early intervention with children with ASD, comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment goals are necessary and may enhance treatment efficacy. The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part 2 (BISCUIT-Part 2) is a new assessment, specifically designed to examine symptoms of psychopathology in infants and toddlers with ASD. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the factor structure of the BISCUIT-Part 2 was established. Second, group differences in the endorsement of symptoms of psychopathology were examined between infants and toddlers with and without ASD.