Functioning assessment short test (FAST): validity and reliability in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Jorge Lugo-Marín,Gemma Español Martín,C Mar Bonnín,Imanol Setien Ramos,Josep Antoni Ramos Quiroga,Laura Gisbert-Gustemps,Eduard Vieta

doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03330-y

Abstract

BackgroundThe assessment of functional impairment is crucial both for the diagnosis and the therapeutic approach to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether the FAST is a reliable and valid tool to assess functional impairment in adults with Level 1 ASD and to study the differences in psychosocial functioning between younger and older adults with ASD.MethodsA case–control study was carried out in a sample of 150 participants, 71 adults with Level 1 ASD, and 79 adults without psychiatric history records.ResultsResults showed good psychometric properties in terms of validity and reliability. Cronbach’s alpha for the total scale was .91 and the area under the curve was .98. The study also showed that adults with ASD present different profiles of functional impairment depending on their age: while younger patients present greater impairment in autonomy, older patients show more difficulties in interpersonal relationships.ConclusionsOur results support the use of the FAST in the evaluation of adaptive functioning in adults with Level 1 ASD.

Highlights

The assessment of functional impairment is crucial both for the diagnosis and the therapeutic approach to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Results of previous studies using the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) showed optimal validity and reliability properties in patients suffering from different mental health conditions
The total sample consisted of 150 participants: 71 adults with a diagnosis of ASD level 1 (43 male, 28 female), and 79 adults without psychiatric history records (51 female, 28 male)

Summary

Introduction

The assessment of functional impairment is crucial both for the diagnosis and the therapeutic approach to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether the FAST is a reliable and valid tool to assess functional impairment in adults with Level 1 ASD and to study the differences in psychosocial functioning between younger and older adults with ASD. The study showed that adults with ASD present different profiles of functional impairment depending on their age: while younger patients present greater impairment in autonomy, older patients show more difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a prevalence of up to 1 out of 54 children and it is characterized by early onset of socialcommunication difficulties and repetitive or stereotypical behaviors [1]. A useful and easy-to-use tool for the assessment of the subject’s functional state is urgently needed to guide the therapeutic effort to obtain the best results

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Discussion

Conclusion