In the current study, we examined adaptive skills and trajectories over time in 257 individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS) using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 2nd Edition. Multilevel linear models were used to examine differences between molecular subtypes over time, from one year to 13 years of age, in the adaptive domains of…

Behavior analysts frequently use the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to assess the language and social skills of children with autism in everyday practice and in research. Despite the widespread use of the VB-MAPP, its psychometric characteristics have not been extensively investigated. To provide information…

Formal autism diagnosis is often critical for children to access early, autism-specific services and supports. However, barriers to traditional in-person evaluations, including long waitlists, delay diagnosis. The goal of the current study was to compare diagnostic impressions (i.e. clinical judgments) made by primary care clinicians and autism…

Behavior rating scales are frequently used to assess social-emotional behaviors of children. While broadband behavior rating scales often measure similarly named constructs, it is unclear how consistently different instruments measure those constructs. Head Start teachers completed the preschool versions of the Behavior Assessment System for…

The National Institute of Mental Health created the National Database for Autism Research (NDAR) to accelerate autism knowledge through data sharing and collaboration. However, our experience using NDAR reveals systematic challenges across several aspects of data submission, selection, management, and analysis that limit utility of this resource.…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Korean Behavior Assessment System for Children 3rd Edition Teacher Rating Scales--Child Form (K·BASC-3 TRS-C). We used the generalized partial credit model based on item response theory (IRT) to examine the internal validity of the scale's items and the latent trait in a…

Although originally conceived of as a marriage of direct behavioral observation and indirect behavior rating scales, recent research has indicated that Direct Behavior Ratings (DBRs) are affected by rater idiosyncrasies (rater effects) similar to other indirect forms of behavioral assessment. Most of this research has been conducted using…

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication and interaction deficits, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. Previous research has examined the role that social deficits play on the development of daily living skills in children with ASD. However, there is a lack of research on…

Over the past several decades, the education, mental health, and social service fields have witnessed a significant shift in the focus of assessment of children moving from a solely deficit-based approach to a model incorporating strengths and competencies, which has been referred to as strength-based assessment. The "Behavioral and Emotional…

Alcohol protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are commonly conceptualized with a three-factor model, as used in the Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale--20 (PBSS-20). However, inconsistencies exist between factors and drinking outcomes. The current study used factor analysis to test a two-factor structure directly via controlled consumption…

Objective: Executive Function (EF) is thought to be a core component of various cognitive processes. Two common ways to measure EF are through report-based measures that assess EF by collecting informant(s) reports on children's behaviors, and performance-based measures that assess EF through the completion of a task related to EF dimension(s).…

Play during childhood is essential to growth and learning. Little is known about whether categories of toys moderate play behaviors at different ages, or how children interact with toys that are simple, appropriate, or complex for their developmental level. Two hundred and forty-three children between the ages of 1 and 8 years, divided into four…

Predictive power of many behavioral measures relies on high test-retest reliability, whereby a measure yields similar data when repeated measure administration occurs at spaced-out intervals. However, major environmental disruptions between measure administration may impact test-retest reliability. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic caused…

Delays in communication are commonly experienced by young children who are not meeting developmental milestones. Early naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions are efficacious, and parents can successfully embed these communication strategies into playtime routines, including when coaching is delivered via telepractice. Video feedback…

Measurement of adaptive skills is important in the diagnosis, intervention planning, and progress monitoring of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Thus, ensuring accurate measurement, including measurement invariance, across children with and without IDD is critical. In this study, we evaluate the measurement…