The validity and reliability of the Wing Subgroups Questionnaire

Abstract

This study examined the validity and the internal and interrater reliability of the Wing Subgroups Questionnaire (WSQ), an assessment that classifies children with autism into one of three subtypes. Subjects were 42 students enrolled in multihandicapped special education classrooms. Results indicated that items pertaining to the active-but-odd and the aloof subtypes, and to typical development, demonstrated good consistency, whereas passive subtype items showed moderate consistency. Interrater reliability was good for all subtypes utilizing intraclass correlations, but it was moderate with regard to percentage agreement of subtype diagnosis. Interscale correlations were mostly low or negative, suggesting that the subtype scales are measuring distinct constructs. Significant differences among the subtypes were found on three measures of communication, three measures of social interaction, two measures of stereotypic behavior, and one measure of temper/aggression.