Reliability of the Commonly Used and Newly-Developed Autism Measures

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Reliability of the Commonly Used and Newly-Developed Autism Measures
Language: English
Authors: Thomas W. Frazier (ORCID 0000-0002-6951-2667), Andrew J. O. Whitehouse, Susan R. Leekam, Sarah J. Carrington, Gail A. Alvares, David W. Evans, Antonio Y. Hardan, Mirko Uljarevic
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2024 54(6):2158-2169.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Test Reliability, Item Response Theory, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Clinical Diagnosis, Parents, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Diagnostic Tests
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05967-y
ISSN: 0162-3257
1573-3432
Abstract: Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare scale and conditional reliability derived from item response theory analyses among the most commonly used, as well as several newly developed, observation, interview, and parent-report autism instruments. Methods: When available, data sets were combined to facilitate large sample evaluation. Scale reliability (internal consistency, average corrected item-total correlations, and model reliability) and conditional reliability estimates were computed for total scores and for measure subscales. Results: Generally good to excellent scale reliability was observed for total scores for all measures, scale reliability was weaker for RRB subscales of the ADOS and ADI-R, reflecting the relatively small number of items for these measures. For diagnostic measures, conditional reliability tended to be very good (> 0.80) in the regions of the latent trait where ASD and non-ASD developmental disability cases would be differentiated. For parent-report scales, conditional reliability of total scores tended to be excellent (> 0.90) across very wide ranges of autism symptom levels, with a few notable exceptions. Conclusions: These findings support the use of all of the clinical observation, interview, and parent-report autism symptom measures examined, but also suggest specific limitations that warrant consideration when choosing measures for specific clinical or research applications.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1426531
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare scale and conditional reliability derived from item response theory analyses among the most commonly used, as well as several newly developed, observation, interview, and parent-report autism instruments. Methods: When available, data sets were combined to facilitate large sample evaluation. Scale reliability (internal consistency, average corrected item-total correlations, and model reliability) and conditional reliability estimates were computed for total scores and for measure subscales. Results: Generally good to excellent scale reliability was observed for total scores for all measures, scale reliability was weaker for RRB subscales of the ADOS and ADI-R, reflecting the relatively small number of items for these measures. For diagnostic measures, conditional reliability tended to be very good (> 0.80) in the regions of the latent trait where ASD and non-ASD developmental disability cases would be differentiated. For parent-report scales, conditional reliability of total scores tended to be excellent (> 0.90) across very wide ranges of autism symptom levels, with a few notable exceptions. Conclusions: These findings support the use of all of the clinical observation, interview, and parent-report autism symptom measures examined, but also suggest specific limitations that warrant consideration when choosing measures for specific clinical or research applications.
ISSN:0162-3257
1573-3432
DOI:10.1007/s10803-023-05967-y