Abstract:
Children with and without diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder were compared on measures of adaptive behavior, challenging behavior, and emotional well being. Sixteen specific items were selected from the Behavior Development Survey, the Challenging Behavior Frequency Scale, and the Achenbach. The sixteen items were selected because of their congruence with the diagnostic guidelines set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – IV. It was possible to reliably distinguish the two groups based on this block of 16 items. Follow up analysis revealed that as few as three items were necessary to distinguish the groups. Retained predictors (Speaks in Full Sentences, Repetitive Behaviors, and Orders Meals in Public) were able to explain approximately 40% of the variance in diagnostic assignment |
