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The Structure of Autism Symptoms as Measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

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Abstract

The current study tested several competing models of the autism phenotype using data from modules 1 and 3 of the ADOS. Participants included individuals with ASDs aged 3–18 years (N = 1,409) from the AGRE database. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed on total samples and subsamples based on age and level of functioning. Three primary models were tested, including a one-factor model, the DSM-IV model, and the anticipated DSM-V model. Results indicated all models fit similarly. Module 1 ratings yielded better indices of fit across all models and higher inter-factor correlations than Model 3. Model fits were impacted by age and level of functioning. The lack of differentiation between models suggests that the structure of ASD symptoms is complex to measure statistically.

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Author notes

  1. Megan Norris

    Present address: Nationwide Children’s Hospital Child Development Center, Columbus, OH, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nisonger Center and Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Nisonger Center, 305 McCampbell Hall, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Megan Norris, Luc Lecavalier & Michael C. Edwards

  2. Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities and the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA

    Megan Norris

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  1. Megan Norris
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  2. Luc Lecavalier
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  3. Michael C. Edwards
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Correspondence to Luc Lecavalier.

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Norris, M., Lecavalier, L. & Edwards, M.C. The Structure of Autism Symptoms as Measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 1075–1086 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1348-0

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