Abstract
Individuals on the autism spectrum face stigma that can influence identity development. Previous research on the 22-item Autism Spectrum Identity Scale (ASIS) reported a four-factor structure with strong split-sample cross-validation and good internal consistency. This study reports the discriminative and criterion validity of the ASIS with other measures. Adults (n = 1139) who have, or identify with, an autism spectrum diagnosis took a nationally distributed online survey that also included demographic questions and measures for stigma, self-esteem, and quality of life (QoL). All four ASIS factors discriminated from measures of stigma and self-esteem. The ASIS also showed good criterion validity with the factors of Positive Difference and Changeability demonstrating widespread relationships with subjective quality of life in the expected directions.
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30 September 2019
The original version of this article contains an error in Results and��Discussion sections and in Table��2. The corrected text and table are given below. Results:�� Participants��� scores were higher for overall stigma and discrimination than those reported by King et al (2007). The pattern of descriptive statistics for the AAQOL was simialr to that reported by Brod et al. (2006). Discussion:��Of note, participants in this study scored approximately 30 points lower than the non-ADHD scores on the AAQOL as reported by Brod and colleagues (2006). The distribution of scores in the current study more closely resembled the distribution of scores by those with ADHD than the non-ADHD control group. This is consistent with the widespread reports of decreased quality of life for adults on the autism spectrum (e.g., Howlin and Moss 2012; Taylor & Seltzer 2011). Further, and consistent with reports of increased stigma (e.g., Shtayermnan, 2009; Tyman, Salor, Saia, et al. 2010), participants in this study scored approximately 20 points higher for overall stigma, and ten points higher for discrimination, than participants with mental illness as reported by King and colleagues (2007).
30 September 2019
The original version of this article contains an error in Results and��Discussion sections and in Table��2. The corrected text and table are given below. Results:�� Participants��� scores were higher for overall stigma and discrimination than those reported by King et al (2007). The pattern of descriptive statistics for the AAQOL was simialr to that reported by Brod et al. (2006). Discussion:��Of note, participants in this study scored approximately 30 points lower than the non-ADHD scores on the AAQOL as reported by Brod and colleagues (2006). The distribution of scores in the current study more closely resembled the distribution of scores by those with ADHD than the non-ADHD control group. This is consistent with the widespread reports of decreased quality of life for adults on the autism spectrum (e.g., Howlin and Moss 2012; Taylor & Seltzer 2011). Further, and consistent with reports of increased stigma (e.g., Shtayermnan, 2009; Tyman, Salor, Saia, et al. 2010), participants in this study scored approximately 20 points higher for overall stigma, and ten points higher for discrimination, than participants with mental illness as reported by King and colleagues (2007).
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported in part by an Advanced Opportunity Fellowship from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. This paper is adapted from the dissertation work of the author. Special thanks to my advisors, Colleen Moore and Noah Feinstein, my committee members, Wendy Machalicek, Sigan Hartley, and Jenell Johnson, and my colleague, Leann Smith for their insight and guidance on this research program.
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TAMM conceived and coordinated the study, design, and methods. She performed the statistical analyses, interpreted the data, and drafted the manuscript.
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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.
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McDonald, T.A.M. Discriminative and Criterion Validity of the Autism Spectrum Identity Scale (ASIS). J Autism Dev Disord 47, 3018–3028 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3221-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3221-2