The SWedish Eating Assessment for Autism spectrum disorders (SWEAA)—Validation of a self-report questionnaire targeting eating disturbances within the autism spectrum

•A self-report questionnaire for individuals with normal intelligence within the autism spectrum has been developed.•The questionnaire has undergone a series of analyses of internal and external validation.•The questionnaire has shown good reliability and validity.•The questionnaire is of great importance to identify the extent of problems regarding food and meals in persons with normal intelligence and autism spectrum disorders.

The aim was to design and validate a questionnaire pertaining to eating problems in individuals with normal intelligence, within the autism spectrum. The questionnaire was based on literature search and clinical experience. The validation focused on psychometric properties of reliability and validity using a clinical group of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (n = 57) and a matched, healthy comparison group (n = 31). The instrument showed high levels of reliability, convergent and discriminant validity and scaling properties. Logistic regression analyses discerned the single item Simultaneous capacity and the subscale Social situation at mealtime as the best predictors of ASD. In conclusion, the questionnaire is valid and reliable to detect disturbed eating behaviours in individuals with ASD and normal intelligence.