Abstract
BackgroundBehaviour problems are common in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are many different tools used to measure behavior problems but little is known about their validity for the population.ObjectivesTo evaluate the measurement properties of behaviour problems tools used in evaluation of intervention or observational research studies with children with ASD up to the age of six years.MethodsBehaviour measurement tools were identified as part of a larger, two stage, systematic review. First, sixteen major electronic databases, as well as grey literature and research registers were searched, and tools used listed and categorized. Second, using methodological filters, we searched for articles examining the measurement properties of the tools in use with young children with ASD in ERIC, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. The quality of these papers was then evaluated using the COSMIN checklist.ResultsWe identified twelve tools which had been used to measure behaviour problems in young children with ASD, and fifteen studies which investigated the measurement properties of six of these tools. There was no evidence available for the remaining six tools. Two questionnaires were found to be the most robust in their measurement properties, the Child Behavior Checklist and the Home Situations Questionnaire—Pervasive Developmental Disorders version.ConclusionsWe found patchy evidence on reliability and validity, for only a few of the tools used to measure behaviour problems in young children with ASD. More systematic research is required on measurement properties of tools for use in this population, in particular to establish responsiveness to change which is essential in measurement of outcomes of intervention.PROSPERO Registration Number CRD42012002223
Highlights
There is burgeoning research on how to improve the developmental progress and outcomes for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1,2,3]
Using methodological filters, we searched for articles examining the measurement properties of the tools in use with young children with ASD in ERIC, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), and PsycINFO
We identified twelve tools which had been used to measure behaviour problems in young children with ASD, and fifteen studies which investigated the measurement properties of six of these tools
Summary
There is burgeoning research on how to improve the developmental progress and outcomes for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1,2,3]. Behaviour problems were defined as any behaviours that create problems for or challenge the individual and/or those who take care of them These include behaviours that are not specific to autism, such as aggression, temper tantrums, non-compliance, as well as more specific problems, such as self-injury and eating non-food substances. Using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL [5]), Hartley and colleagues [6] found one third of 169 children with ASD aged 1.5 to 5.8 years had total problem scores in the clinically significant range. Such behaviours take a heavy toll on families [7]. There are many different tools used to measure behavior problems but little is known about their validity for the population
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
