Validity of the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale

Authors: Koren M Boggs Alan M Gross Carol L Gohm

Publish Date: 2006/07/15

Volume: 18, Issue: 2, Pages: 163-182

PDF Link

Abstract

Until publication of the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale ASDS in 2001 no standardized and nationallynormed instrument existed specifically for the purpose of diagnosing Asperger syndrome AS Myles et al 2001 Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale ASDS PROED Austin This study sought to augment the existing psychometric data on the ASDS through examination of its divergent convergent and discriminative validity Measures of AS autism and social skills competence were administered to 76 children with AS autism intellectually gifted children and a control group of typically developing children without AS or autism Results supported the divergent and convergent validity of the ASDS Discriminative validity was partially supported The ASDS was the best discriminator between children with AS and those without AS Diagnostic accuracy for those with AS and autism was enhanced when scores on the ASDS were combined with scores on the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale GARS and the Social Skills Rating System SSRS Findings are discussed relative to the debate over the external validity of AS and the resulting limitations on research in the area

Keywords: