Ghuman-Folstein Screen for Social Interaction – Preschool Version (SSI-PS)

Author of Tool: 

Ghuman, J. K., Leone, S. L., Lecavalier, L., & Landa, R. J.

Key references: 

Ghuman, J. K., Leone, S. L., Lecavalier, L., & Landa, R. J. (2011). The screen for social interaction (SSI): A screening measure for autism spectrum disorders in preschoolers. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32, 2519-2529

Primary use / Purpose: 

The Ghuman-Folstein Screen for Social Interaction (SSI) for Preschoolers (aged 43-61 months) is a 21-item instrument developed to detect problems with social interactions in young children. Specifically, SSI is a unique parent-administered screening instrument that measures social-communication behaviors in very young children with ASD. It has been postulated as a useful screen to differentiate very young children with substantive social interaction delays associated with ASD from those with non-ASD developmental delays.

Background: 

Key characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are currently conceptualized as having qualitative impairments in social interaction and communication, and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviors. There are very early signs of social and communication delays that signal risk for ASD. Numerous screening measures have been advanced to detect risk for ASD, but few have centered on very young children. The Ghuman-Folstien SSI represents a novel and unique measure to bridge this gap.

Psychometrics: 

For psychometric data, consult Ghuman et al. (2011).

Keywords: 

• Anxiety
• Family

Files: 

Screen for Social Interaction -Preschool VersionScreen for Social Interaction – Preschool Version: Scoring Guidelines

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 

https://dx.doi.org/10.13072/midss.218