The BISCUIT is an assessment battery designed to assess symptoms of autism, comorbid psychopathology, and problem behaviors.

The diagnostic measure, the BISCUIT - Part 1, consists of 71 items that assess the core symptoms of autism in toddlers. Each item is rated as (0) not different, no impairment; (1) somewhat different, mild impairment, or (2) very different, severe impairment, by a parent/caretaker. Sample items include, 'limited number of interests';' responds to other's distress'; 'verbal communication'; 'maintains eye contact'; and 'isolates self.'

The BISCUIT - Part 2, consists of 84 items encompassing the following comorbid conditions: Conduct Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Tic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Specific Phobia, and eating difficulties. These items are rated to the extent that they have been a recent problem as (0) not a problem or impairment, not at all; (1) mild problem or impairment; or (2) severe problem or impairment; or (X) does not apply or do not know. Sample items include, 'ordering of objects for no apparent reason or to reduce stress'; 'interrupts the activities of others'; 'easily becomes upset'; 'concentration problem'; and 'tearful or weepy.'

The BISCUIT - Part 3 contains 20 items that pertain to aggressive/disruptive, self-injurious, and stereotypic behaviors. Items are rated as (0) not a problem or impairment; not at all, (1) Mild problem or impairment, or (2) Severe problem or impairment. Instructions state that each item should be rated to the extent that it is a recent problem. Sample items include, 'throwing objects at others'; 'kicking objects'; 'playing with saliva'; 'unusual play with objects'; 'harming self by hitting, pinching, scratching, etc.'; and 'removal of clothing at inappropriate times.'

Also available in Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Serbian, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, and Greek.

References:

Matson, J. L., Wilkins, J., Sevin, J. A., Knight, C., Boisjoli, J. A., & Sharp, B. (2009). Reliability and item content of the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT): Parts 1-3. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3, 336-344.

Matson, J. L., Wilkins, J., Sharp, B., Knight, C., Sevin, J. A., & Boisjoli, J. A. (in press). Sensitivity and specificity of the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT): Validity and cutoff scores for autism and PDD-NOS in toddlers. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Matson, J. L., Fodstad, J. L., & Mahan, S. (in press). Cutoffs, norms, and patterns of comorbid difficulties in children with developmental disabilities on the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT-Part 2). Research in Developmental Disabilities.

Matson, J. L., Boisjoli, J. A., Rojahn, J., & Hess, J. (2009). A factor analysis of challenging behaviors assessed with the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT-Part 3). Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3, 714-722.

Matson, J. L., Boisjoli, J. A., & Wilkins, J. (2007). Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT). Baton Rouge, La. Disability Consultants, LLC.