Likelihood of identifying autistic traits with the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) in male juveniles with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and severe behavioral problems (SBPs).

In outpatient male juveniles, SBPs do not affect the screening capacity of the AQ for autistic traits. In spite of the well-known overlap of symptoms between ASD and SBPs, male juveniles with SBPs but without a diagnosis of ASD do not score higher on the AQ than male juveniles without SBPs and without a diagnosis of ASD.