Adaptive, Externalizing, and Internalizing Behavior of Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Comparison of Three Parent-Report Questionnaires

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study compared the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Third Edition (BASC-3) to the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Third Edition (VABS-3) in children with and without histories of prenatal alcohol exposure. Data were collected from Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Phase 4 sites. Caregivers rated their child’s behavior using three questionnaires: BASC-3, CBCL, and VABS-3. BASC-3 Adaptive Skills, Externalizing Problems, and Internalizing Problems scores were correlated with comparable scores from the CBCL (Externalizing and Internalizing Problems) and VABS-3 (Adaptive Skills) both within and across groups. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for the BASC-3. BASC-3 sensitivity rates were 78.1%, 80.5%, and 47.0% and specificity rates were 79.4%, 80.4%, and 81.5% for Adaptive Skills, Externalizing Problems, and Internalizing Problems, respectively. Positive predictive values were 87.1%, 88.0%, and 81.9% and negative predictive values were 67.0%, 69.8%, and 46.3% for Adaptive Skills, Externalizing Problems, and Internalizing Problems, respectively. Results replicated previous reports of behavioral and adaptive difficulties in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. These findings provide support for using the BASC-3 in this population.