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A Validity Study of the Autism Spectrum Disorders—Behavior Problems for Adults (ASD-BPA) Scale

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Abstract

Challenging behaviors are common and serious problems in adults with autism or pervasive developmental disorder—not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and comorbid intellectual disability (ID). These difficulties impede learning and can compromise placement in more independent living settings. Despite this, no scale has been developed for problems behaviors in adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The ASD-BPA is a 19 item scale developed recently, specifically for this purpose. This study is the first attempt to establish the validity of the measure by correlating it to the more extensive, already established Behavior Problems Inventory (BPI-01) for 27 adults with ID. The ASD-BPA proved to have good validity. A discussion of the results and implications for future research is presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Johnny L. Matson & Tessa T. Rivet

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  1. Johnny L. Matson
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  2. Tessa T. Rivet
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Correspondence to Johnny L. Matson.

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Matson, J.L., Rivet, T.T. A Validity Study of the Autism Spectrum Disorders—Behavior Problems for Adults (ASD-BPA) Scale. J Dev Phys Disabil 19, 557–564 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-007-9069-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-007-9069-1

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