Purpose This study aims to introduce and evaluate two brief screening instruments for autism in Brazil. Initial data on reliability, validity, norms and proposed cutoff scores are presented. Design/methodology/approach Each brief scale was completed by 700 independent participants, gathered as a convenience sample. The mean age of participants completing the Brief Screening for Autism Spectrum (Brief-Spec) A was 37.6 years (SD = 11.7) with balanced gender distribution (50.0% male); Brief-Spec F had a mean age of 40.3 years (SD = 10.3). Most participants had college or postgraduate degrees. Data were collected online, with informed consent obtained. Psychometric evaluation included confirmatory factor analysis, ordinal alpha and omega estimates, and correlations with Autism Spectrum Quotient-10 scores. Findings Both tools demonstrated strong structural validity and high reliability. Brief-Spec A showed acceptable fit (CFI = 0.915, TLI = 0.903, RMSEA = 0.085, SRMR = 0.048; α = 0.87 – 0.90, ω = 0.84 – 0.89). Brief-Spec F also showed acceptable fit (CFI = 0.922, TLI = 0.907, RMSEA = 0.098, SRMR = 0.067; α = 0.82–0.93, ω = 0.82 – 0.90). Both showed substantial convergent validity and practical cutoff scores. Research limitations/implications Both instruments are efficient, reliable and sensitive screening tools for Brazilian adults, with sensitivity to sex and gender differences. Practical implications These instruments offer practical benefits for rapid, reliable, autism screening in adults and carry important social implications by supporting earlier identification and reducing diagnostic inequities. Originality/value This study introduces the first brief, psychometrically robust autism screening tools specifically developed and validated for Brazilian adults, thus addressing a critical gap in culturally adapted assessment resources. By providing separate versions that are sensitive to sex- and gender-related differences, the instruments have the potential to improve diagnostic equity and inclusivity. The brevity of the instruments, combined with strong reliability, supports practical use across diverse contexts, including primary care, community programs and large-scale surveys. In addition, the provision of normative data and preliminary cutoff scores facilitates application in both clinical and research contexts, supporting earlier identification, improved access to appropriate follow-up, and responsiveness to intervention.
Anunciação et al. (Sat,) studied this question.