A recent study published on January 10, 2026, in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders analyzed the effectiveness of using the PANSS Autism Severity Score (PAUSS) to measure autistic features within populations suffering from psychosis.
The study was published by Lorenzo Pelizza, Antonio Federico, Emanuela Leuci, Marco Menchetti, Giuseppina Paulillo, Clara Pellegrini, Emanuela Quattrone, Derna Palmisano, Pietro Pellegrini, and Siona Pupo.
According to the study, 301 participants going through a First Episode Psychosis event were recruited, including 170 who were diagnosed with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder. Every participant completed the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Autism Quotient (AQ) at baseline and at follow-up 2 years later.
The results of this study suggest that the PAUSS isn’t a reliable measurement tool when it comes to assessing autistic features in individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD) or during a First Episode Psychosis (FEP) event. Instead, the study suggested that this type of score is better suited to measuring the severity of psychotic symptoms.
This study is significant because it highlights an important issue in the current field of mental health diagnosis and treatment. The overlapping symptoms between ASD and psychosis need to be better understood separately to help ensure a more accurate diagnosis during the initial episodes of psychosis.
Do you have a child who was diagnosed with autism? If so, then you know first-hand how important it is to receive an accurate, timely diagnosis. The aim of the study above is to help develop the most accurate and efficient diagnostic criteria possible, now and for future generations.
Supporting the Autistic Youth in Nevada
Children who receive an autism diagnosis early on have a greater opportunity to receive the individualized care, support, and therapy they need. Here at the Nevada Autism Center, we strive to help each youngster grow into becoming as autonomous and independent as possible. We want to empower every child we see to be as successful and happy as they can be.
Our facility offers one-on-one ABA therapy, family guidance, summer camps, and community support. Our team focuses on helping each child develop adaptive skills, gain the confidence to succeed in public settings, shed harmful or negative coping strategies, and receive the support and care they need to feel empowered. With in-clinic therapy, your child will also have more opportunities for social development and making like-minded friends. We offer a structured environment, a sense of belonging, and plenty of acceptance and love.
Our facility is currently in network with Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Health Plan of Nevada, Sierra Health & Life, and UMR. We are not able to accept Medicaid plans at this time.
If you’re interested in learning more about our services, we’d love to talk with you. Reach out to our team now by calling us at (702) 660-2005. You can also get started on the process now by filling out our online enrollment form. We look forward to hearing from you.
