Validity of the Diagnostic Interview CRIDI -Autism Spectrum Disorders as a Gold Standard for the Assessment of Autism in Latinos and Mexicans

Abstract

Objective To validate the Criteria Diagnostic Interview (CRIDI-ASD/DSM-5), a cost-effective clinical assessment tool for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in children and adolescents of Mexico, Latin America or Hispanics living in the US. Method The CRIDI-ASD/DSM-5 is a semi-structured observational interview based on the criteria of DSM-5. It consists of questions organized in the two dimensions: 1.- Deficits in social communication and interaction, 2.- Restricted and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests and unusual sensory reactivity. We conducted an observational, validity study. Results The final sample consisted of 88 children seeking for a diagnosis of autism, or ADHD, between 18 months to 18 years of age. Participants were assessed with ADI-R, MINI-KID, K-SADS, VEANHi and CRIDI-ASD/DSM-5 Interview. Cronbach’s alpha for the total items was 0.91. Interrater reliability for the recorded interviews assessed by two different evaluators (N=40) ranged from ICC 0.74-.99 (M=0.86). Discriminant validity between ASD and ADHD was demonstrated through the t-Student test, showing significant higher mean raw scores for the ASD Group. Kappa coefficients between ASD diagnosis through ADI-R and/or K-SADS and/or Clinical Interview and the dichotomous result (ASD vs. no-ASD) of the CRIDI-ASD/DSM-5 Interview was k=0.82, with a Sensitivity of 92% and Specificity of 95%. Conclusion The CRIDI-ASD/DSM-5 is a valid, brief and cost-effective instrument for the diagnosis of ASD in Spanish-speaking children and adolescents.