The reliability and validity of the Social Responsiveness Scale in a UK general child population

This is the first UK study to report the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) in a general population sample. Parents of 500 children (aged 5–8 years) in North East England completed the SRS. Profiles of scores were similar to USA norms, and a single factor structure was identified. Good construct validity and internal consistency were found. Children with identified special needs were found to have significantly higher SRS scores than those without. The findings suggest the SRS performs in similar ways in UK and USA general population samples of children and can be used without modification in the UK.

► We examine the psychometric properties of the SRS in the UK.
► Acceptable reliability and validity and a single factor structure were identified.
► The SRS may be used without modification in a UK general child population.