scholarly journals Validation of the Dutch Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q-NL)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wikke van der Putten ◽  
Joost Agelink van Rentergem ◽  
Tulsi Radhoe ◽  
Carolien Torenvliet ◽  
Annabeth Groenman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Dutch Translation

Camouflaging behavior is defined as using strategies to hide autistic characteristics. In the present study, we investigate the psychometric properties of a self-report questionnaire measuring camouflaging behavior: the Dutch translation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q-NL). In total, 674 individuals (of which 356 autistic) aged 30 to 92, filled out the CAT-Q-NL and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). In addition, we administered the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) in a subsample of 90 autistic adults. We executed preregistered analyses (AsPredicted #37800) to investigate the factor structure, measurement invariance, internal consistency and group differences. Convergent validity was assessed by comparing the CAT-Q-NL to the discrepancy between the AQ and ADOS-2. We found an acceptable fit for the original three-factor structure and sufficient to good internal consistency for total and factor scores. However, we did not find measurement invariance between autistic and non-autistic individuals. Correlations between CAT-Q-NL-scores and the discrepancy between AQ and ADOS-2 varied between low to mediocre (r = .04 to .28). Therefore, more research is needed into the convergent validity of the CAT-Q-NL. We conclude that the CAT-Q-NL can be used to measure camouflaging behavior within and between autistic individuals, but not between autistic and non-autistic individuals.

scholarly journals Predicting the diagnosis of autism in adults using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (12) ◽  
pp. 2595-2604 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Ashwood ◽  
N. Gillan ◽  
J. Horder ◽  
H. Hayward ◽  
E. Woodhouse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Diagnostic Interview ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Co Morbidity

BackgroundMany adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain undiagnosed. Specialist assessment clinics enable the detection of these cases, but such services are often overstretched. It has been proposed that unnecessary referrals to these services could be reduced by prioritizing individuals who score highly on the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), a self-report questionnaire measure of autistic traits. However, the ability of the AQ to predict who will go on to receive a diagnosis of ASD in adults is unclear.MethodWe studied 476 adults, seen consecutively at a national ASD diagnostic referral service for suspected ASD. We tested AQ scores as predictors of ASD diagnosis made by expert clinicians according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 criteria, informed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) assessments.ResultsOf the participants, 73% received a clinical diagnosis of ASD. Self-report AQ scores did not significantly predict receipt of a diagnosis. While AQ scores provided high sensitivity of 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–0.82] and positive predictive value of 0.76 (95% CI 0.70–0.80), the specificity of 0.29 (95% CI 0.20–0.38) and negative predictive value of 0.36 (95% CI 0.22–0.40) were low. Thus, 64% of those who scored below the AQ cut-off were ‘false negatives’ who did in fact have ASD. Co-morbidity data revealed that generalized anxiety disorder may ‘mimic’ ASD and inflate AQ scores, leading to false positives.ConclusionsThe AQ's utility for screening referrals was limited in this sample. Recommendations supporting the AQ's role in the assessment of adult ASD, e.g. UK NICE guidelines, may need to be reconsidered.

scholarly journals The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI): development and validation of a new measure of autistic traits in the general population

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael C. W. English ◽  
Gilles E. Gignac ◽  
Troy A. W. Visser ◽  
Andrew J. O. Whitehouse ◽  
James T. Enns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
General Population ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Sensory Sensitivity ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Background Traits and characteristics qualitatively similar to those seen in diagnosed autism spectrum disorder can be found to varying degrees in the general population. To measure these traits and facilitate their use in autism research, several questionnaires have been developed that provide broad measures of autistic traits [e.g. Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ)]. However, since their development, our understanding of autism has grown considerably, and it is arguable that existing measures do not provide an ideal representation of the trait dimensions currently associated with autism. Our aim was to create a new measure of autistic traits that reflects our current understanding of autism, the Comprehensive Autism Trait Inventory (CATI). Methods In Study 1, 107 pilot items were administered to 1119 individuals in the general population and exploratory factor analysis of responses used to create the 42-item CATI comprising six subscales: Social Interactions, Communication, Social Camouflage, Repetitive Behaviours, Cognitive Rigidity, and Sensory Sensitivity. In Study 2, the CATI was administered to 1068 new individuals and confirmatory factor analysis used to verify the factor structure. The AQ and BAPQ were administered to validate the CATI, and additional autistic participants were recruited to compare the predictive ability of the measures. In Study 3, to validate the CATI subscales, the CATI was administered to 195 new individuals along with existing valid measures qualitatively similar to each CATI subscale. Results The CATI showed convergent validity at both the total-scale (r ≥ .79) and subscale level (r ≥ .68). The CATI also showed superior internal reliability for total-scale scores (α = .95) relative to the AQ (α = .90) and BAPQ (α = .94), consistently high reliability for subscales (α > .81), greater predictive ability for classifying autism (Youden’s Index = .62 vs .56–.59), and demonstrated measurement invariance for sex. Limitations Analyses of predictive ability for classifying autism depended upon self-reported diagnosis or identification of autism. The autistic sample was not large enough to test measurement invariance of autism diagnosis. Conclusions The CATI is a reliable and economical new measure that provides observations across a wide range of trait dimensions associated with autism, potentially precluding the need to administer multiple measures, and to our knowledge, the CATI is also the first broad measure of autistic traits to have dedicated subscales for social camouflage and sensory sensitivity.

scholarly journals The Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT): A preliminary psychometric study in Chile

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Gatica-Bahamonde ◽  
Paula Alarcon ◽  
Alejandra Mendez Fadol ◽  
Carrie Allison ◽  
Simon Baron-Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Probabilistic Sampling ◽  
Interaction Factor

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of an adapted version of the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT), an early screening tool that quantifies autistic traits dimensionally, in a community sample of Chilean children aged 18-24 months. An intentional non-probabilistic sampling was used. All primary caregivers of children aged 18-24 months who attended health check-up at four primary care clinics in Chile's Araucanía region during the study period were invited to participate. One hundred and eighty-eight toddlers were screened. Evidence of construct validity was determined through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), evidence of convergent validity with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F), and evidence of reliability through internal consistency and test-retest. The EFA showed a two-factor structure, which explained 42.2 % of the variance: “Restrictive and Repetitive Patterns” (factor 1), and “Communication and Social Interaction” (factor 2). The total Q-CHAT scores correlated positively and significantly with the total M-CHAT-R/F scores (r=0.59, p<0.01) with a large effect size. Internal consistency was acceptable for the scale in general (α=0.74), acceptable for factor 1 (α = 0.76) and good (α=0.85) for factor 2. Regarding test-retest stability, the intraclass correlation coefficient was good (ICC=0.86, p<0.001). In terms of the factor structure evidenced by the EFA, the two factors are theoretically consistent with the current diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5. The evidence of validity and reliability of Q-CHAT is encouraging when considering its use as an early detection tool in Chile.

Autistic traits in Indian general population and patient group samples: distribution, factor structure, reliability and validity of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asmita Karmakar ◽  
Manisha Bhattacharya ◽  
Susmita Chatterjee ◽  
Atanu Kumar Dogra
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Criterion Validity ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Compulsive Disorder

Purpose The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a widely used tool to quantify autistic traits in the general population. This study aims to report the distribution, group differences and factor structure of autistic traits in Indian general population. The work also assesses the criterion validity of AQ across three patient group samples – autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. Design/methodology/approach In this study, psychometric properties of the adapted AQ were assessed among 450 neurotypical university students matched for age. Confirmatory factor analysis was done to see if the adapted AQ fits the original factor structure. Test–retest, internal consistency reliability and criterion validity were found out. Group differences (gender and field of study) in AQ were also assessed. Findings Autistic traits were found to be continuously distributed in the population, and patterns of group differences were consistent with previous studies. The adapted AQ had five factors resembling the original factor structure with a good fit, and 38 items instead of the original 50 items. Acceptable reliability coefficients were demonstrated along with criterion validity across clinical groups. Originality/value This work is the first to present the pattern of distribution and factor structure of autistic traits among neurotypical adults from Eastern India, a culturally different population, as well as a reliable and valid tool to assess autistic traits in Bengali, a language with 300 million speakers. The findings add to the growing literature on AQ measurement and the concept of autism as a quantitative trait, examined outside of the western samples.

scholarly journals The Reliability and Validity of the Australian Moral Disengagement Scale

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-149
Author(s):  
Nicola C. Newton ◽  
Lexine A. Stapinski ◽  
Katrina E. Champion ◽  
Maree Teesson ◽  
Kay Bussey
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Cross Validation ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Valid Instrument ◽  
The Individual

Background: The present study explored the reliability, validity, and factor structure of a modified version of the Moral Disengagement Scale (MDS), which comprehensively assesses proneness to disengage from different forms of conduct specific to Australian adolescents. Methods: A sample of 452 students (Mage = 12.79; SD = 1.93) completed the modified MDS and the Australian Self-Report Delinquency Scale. A multistep approach was used to evaluate the factor structure of the MDS. The sample was divided into exploratory (n = 221) and cross-validation samples (n = 231). Principal component analysis was conducted with the exploratory sample and multiple factor solutions compared to determine the optimal factor structure of the modified MDS. The final factor solution was confirmed in the cross-validation sample using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency of the final scale and convergent validity with the delinquency questionnaire was also assessed. Results: Analyses resulted in a 22-item MDS for use in Australia, with four factors mapping onto the four conceptual categories of moral disengagement. The individual subscales demonstrated adequate to good internal consistency, and the total scale also demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.87). Convergent validity of the scale was established. Conclusions: The 22-item Australian MDS is a reliable and valid instrument for use within an Australian population.

scholarly journals Association among Autistic Traits, Treatment Intensity and Outcomes in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: Preliminary Results

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (16) ◽  
pp. 3605
Author(s):  
Jacopo Pruccoli ◽  
Simone Rosa ◽  
Carlo Alberto Cesaroni ◽  
Elisabetta Malaspina ◽  
Antonia Parmeggiani
Keyword(s):  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Treatment Intensity ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Weight Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

The present study investigates the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits on the treatment intensity and outcomes (psychopathology and weight) of 22 adolescent inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), who were selected on the basis of suspected ASD traits. ASD traits were measured at admission (T0) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Psychopathology was measured with Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and Self-Administered Psychiatric Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA) at admission and discharge (T0, T1). Percentage BMI was assessed at admission, discharge, first follow-up (T2, 7–22 days) and second follow-up (T3, 22–45 days). Results were controlled for age and EDI-3 global psychological maladjustment. When compared with other patients with AN, AN individuals with ADOS-2 and AQ diagnostic scores for ASD showed overlapping types of treatments, as well as psychopathological and weight outcomes. ASD total scores were not correlated with treatment intensity or treatment outcomes. Preliminary results show that ASD traits do not impact treatment intensity and outcomes in adolescents with AN and suspected ASD traits.

scholarly journals Co-Occurrence of ASD and ADHD Traits in an Adult Population

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 1407-1415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Panagiotidi ◽  
Paul G. Overton ◽  
Tom Stafford
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Common Etiology

Objective: ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be viewed as the extreme end of traits found in the general population. Clinical and genetic studies suggest that ADHD and ASD often co-occur and share genetic susceptibility. The aim of this study was to examine co-occurrence of ADHD and ASD traits in the general population. Method: In total, 334 participants were recruited from a population-based sample. Four questionnaires assessing current and retrospective ADHD and ASD traits were administered online: the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Symptom Checklist, the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS-25), the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ), and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Results: A significant correlation was found between ADHD and autistic traits. In particular, higher inattention and overall ADHD scores were associated with self-reported deficits in communication and social skills. Conclusion: Our findings are similar to results from studies on clinical populations, suggesting that ADHD and ASD might share common etiology.

Psychometric Evaluation of a Dutch Version of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions

2009 ◽  
Vol 105 (2) ◽  
pp. 585-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela F. Nederlof ◽  
Johannes E. Hovens ◽  
Peter Muris ◽  
Raymond W. Novaco
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Symptom Checklist ◽  
Dutch Version ◽  
Separate Sample ◽  
Dutch Translation ◽  
Aggression Questionnaire ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Two studies were conducted to investigate the psychometric properties of a Dutch translation of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions, a brief test to measure anger disposition. In the first study, the factor structure, internal consistency, and validity of the scale were examined in a sample of 97 students. Factor analysis essentially yielded one factor, although further inspection found some evidence for a two-factor structure referring to “anger response” and “impairment.” The internal consistency was acceptable, and convergent and divergent validities were supported by a theoretically meaningful pattern of correlations with other self-report measures, such as the Aggression Questionnaire, Barrat's Impulsivity Scale–11, and the Symptom Checklist–90. In a second study, the test-retest reliability of the scale was examined in a separate sample of 37 students. A correlation coeffcient of .84 was found, supporting the reliability of the scale. Altogether, it can be concluded that the Dutch Dimensions of Anger Reactions seems to be reliable and valid for assessing anger disposition.

scholarly journals Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey in Colombia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5118
Author(s):  
Diana M. Bravo ◽  
Juan C. Suárez-Falcón ◽  
Javier M. Bianchi ◽  
Miguel A. Segura-Vargas ◽  
Francisco J. Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Root Mean Square ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Mean Square ◽  
General Survey ◽  
Fit Index

The Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey (MBI-GS) is a widely used scale that measures burnout in the general professions. Debate persists regarding the factor structure of the MBI-GS, and there is scarce empirical evidence about the reliability, validity, and measurement invariance of the MBI-GS in Spanish-speaking samples. Moreover, the psychometric properties of the MBI-GS have not been analyzed in Colombia. This study aimed to analyze the internal consistency, factor structure, measurement invariance, and convergent validity of the MBI-GS in a large sample of Colombian workers. The MBI-GS was administered to a total sample of 978 workers from three private companies in Bogotá (66.9% males, 32.7% females, 0.4% other). All subscales showed adequate internal consistency (alphas ranging from 0.72 to 0.86). The three-factor model demonstrated a very good fit to the data (root mean square error of approximation − RMSEA = 0.05, comparative fit index − CFI = 0.99, non-normed fit index − NNFI = 0.98, and standardized root mean square residual − SRMR = 0.06). The measurement invariance both at a metric and scalar level was supported across gender, age group, and socioeconomic status. The MBI-GS subscales showed the expected correlations with job satisfaction, work engagement, psychological distress, and psychological inflexibility. In conclusion, the Spanish version of the MBI-GS demonstrated good psychometric properties in a Colombian sample.

scholarly journals Comparison of Autistic Traits between Iranian Students with Different Ethnical Background: A Cross-Cultural Study ​

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Elhami Athar ◽  
Ali Ebrahimi ◽  
Sirvan Karimi ◽  
Roya Esmaeili ◽  
Esmaeil Mousavi Asl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Autism Spectrum Conditions ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
Number Pattern

Abstract Background: Autistic traits (ATs) include symptoms associated with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs), which are assumed to be continuously distributed across the general population. Studies had indicated the cultural differences in the expression ATs. To our knowledge, this is the first study designed to compare the expression of autistic traits between different ethnicities from the same country. Methods: Using the Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ-28), we examined the possible cultural differences in the expression of autistic traits from four groups of students with different ethnicities backgrounds, including Turkish (n = 262), Persian (n = 290), Kurdish (n = 300), and Luri (n = 307) students. Results: Behaviors associated with autistic traits were reported overall higher for males than females. Also, significant cultural differences in autistic traits were found that were different for males and females. Furthermore, while the medical sciences student group scored significantly than the humanities group in the Imagination dimension, the humanities group had significantly high scores in Number/Pattern dimensions than the engineering and medical sciences groups. Limitations: First, other ethnicities (e.g., Arabs, Baloch) were not studied because of the lack of access. Second, for data gathering, we used only the self-report method. Third, our study included only a student sample but not the community and clinical samples from different ethnicities. Finally, our study sample included only students who are not representative of their entire ethnicity.Conclusions: Altogether, our results provide further support for the idea that the expression of ATs is significantly influenced by culture.

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