This study explores factorial validity of the Autism Spectrum Screening Test (ITEA) for the identification of autism in schooled children and adolescents in Ecuador. The psychometric study analyzes the validity and reliability, as well as internal consistency of the elements of the scale. The sample consisted of 848 autistic people, and 350 non-autistic, of ages between 4 and 17 years old, who attended regular schools. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis shows that the ITEA adjustment model behaves adequately for the Ecuadorian population, corroborated by means of a model of four first-order factors and a second-order general agglutinating factor with 32 items, in fact, the absolute, relative, and non-centrality-based fit indicators confirm this. In addition, the scale is highly reliable in terms of internal consistency with ω= .92 [.91 – .93], since it allows obtaining greater precision in the evaluation of the studied construct. It can be concluded that evidence of factorial validity and reliability show that the ITEA, in its structural model, is adequately adjusted for the screening of autism in schooled children with ages between 4 to 17 years old
in Ecuador. According to Support Vector Machines (SVM), which allows information regarding the accuracy of each evaluated item, the set of 42 items reached 89.04% Analysis using the Request for Evidence test (RFE) showed that, in order to increase the accuracy level of ITEA, 31 items exceeded the global value. Regarding the 7 categories evaluated (language, communication, social skills, affectivity, information processing, inflexibility, and sensory perception), a value of 89.387% was obtained, according to the SVM algorithm with “rbf” kernel. The data shows the ability of ITEA to show specific characteristics to identify autism
reliability
Propiedades psicométricas de un Instrumento de Tamizaje para Autismo (ITEA) en niños y adolescentes del Ecuador. Psychometric properties of an Autism Screening Instrument (ITEA) in children and adolescents from Ecuador
Propiedades Psicométricas del Inventario CABI Para la Determinación del TDAH. Psychometric Properties Of The Cabi Inventory In The Determination Of ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent mental health issues among children and adolescents
worldwide. Current literature shows that ADHD could affect both academic and work performances of those who present it. The aim of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Child and Adolescence Behavior Inventory (CABI) through an exploratory study, based on the report of 350 Chilean parents. Results indicated a three-dimensional model (sluggish cognitive tempo, inattention and hyperactivity) with adequate fit of the data (RMSEA=0.065; CFI= 0.954; TLI=0.941; PL=207) that explained 61.76% of the total variance with an Alpha of 0.961. Results show that the subscales analyzed have acceptable psychometric properties, an adequate internal consistency and that their indicators have a correct discriminatory power.
Therefore, according to these preliminary results, CABI can be considered a useful assessment tool for the diagnosis of ADHD. Implications for practice, policy and future research are discussed.
