Social Communication Questionnaire

The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) is a 40-item parent-report measure of autism-spectrum symptoms in children ages 4–15 years. Developed by Michael Rutter, Ann Bailey, and Catherine Lord in 2003, it serves as a brief screening tool for autism spectrum disorder. The SCQ asks parents to recall or report current child behaviors in three domains: reciprocal social interaction, communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors/interests. It is frequently used in primary care, developmental pediatrics, and research settings to identify children warranting comprehensive autism evaluation.