Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC)

The ABC (Autism Behavior Checklist) is an international screening scale used at Hanshi NeuroLife International Rehabilitation Center (Shangrao) to assess the severity of autism spectrum disorder features. The scale covers several key domains: sensory, relationships, body and object use, language, and social/self-help skills. Each item is scored by severity; the overall profile shows the relative prominence of different aspects of ASD in the individual child.

At Hanshi NeuroLife the ABC is used in the initial assessment of children with ASD of all severities and in suspected ASD, as well as in comorbidities with an ASD component. The results set the priorities of the program: when sensory features dominate — priority on sensory integration and auditory integration; when behavioral features dominate — ABA and, where indicated, medication support; when communicative features dominate — speech therapy and PECS. Regular ABC reassessment shows progress through the course of rehabilitation.

Advantages of this scale as delivered by the center: international standard for ASD assessment; multidimensional — covers several domains of typical features; direct link to the program — results define the emphases of work; supports regular reassessment so progress is visible in the data; suitable for a wide age range. The ABC is used together with the Shuangxi Scale, GMFM (for motor impairments), S-S Method (for speech impairments), Gesell, and PEP (overall development).

What matters for parents

The ABC is not a diagnostic instrument: an ASD diagnosis is made by the relevant physician based on comprehensive evaluation. The ABC helps detail the profile of features in the individual child to inform a targeted program. Repeated ABC measurements show progress — which features have decreased and which still require additional work.