Protocol for Development and Testing of the schiZotypy Autism Questionnaire (ZAQ): A Differential Diagnostic Screening Tool for Autism and Schizotypal Disorder

This study describes the development of the ZAQ, a new screening questionnaire designed to discriminate autism spectrum disorder from schizotypal disorder while providing combined screening for both conditions. The research employs a two-phase approach comparing 200 autistic patients, 100 schizotypy patients, and 200 controls against clinical diagnoses from specialized psychiatric teams to assess diagnostic accuracy and validity.