Gender-based differential item functioning on the child behavior checklist in youth on the autism spectrum: A brief report

Abstract

BackgroundGiven the call for gender-informed autism research (Mandy & Lai, 2017), understanding the presentation and measurement of commonly co-occurring behavioral and emotional concerns among males and females on the autism spectrum is paramount. The validity of conclusions in this area of research necessitates that questionnaires capture true differences in constructs rather than systematic gender-based differences in measurement, an assumption which may be violated due to differential item functioning (DIF). MethodIn the present study, caregiver-report data on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) (N = 502) were gathered across multiple studies from the National Database for Autism Research (NDAR), an NIH-funded data repository. ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis initially revealed poor to acceptable fit across subscales, suggesting a lack of unidimensionality. Fit was acceptable on all subscales following modifications for low factor loadings or highly correlated residuals. Multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) models indicated that the majority of items did not show substantial DIF, with no items flagged for gender-based DIF on the Attention Problems, Withdrawn/Depressed, and Somatic Problems subscales. Items were flagged for gender-based DIF, however, on the Social Problems, Anxious/ Depressed, Aggressive Behavior, and Thought Problems subscales. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that few items on a measure of emotional and behavioral problems (Child Behavior Checklist; CBCL) function differently for male and female youth on the autism spectrum. This study has implications for future autism research aiming to accurately capture co-occurring emotional or behavioral problems and examine the etiology, trajectory, and ultimately treatment for males and females on the autism spectrum.