Factor analysis of the aberrant behavior checklist in individuals with autism spectrum disorders

J Autism Dev Disord. 2007 Nov;37(10):1949-59. doi: 10.1007/s10803-006-0327-3. Epub 2006 Dec 21.

Abstract

Exploratory factor analysis (varimax and promax rotations) of the aberrant behavior checklist-community version (ABC) in 275 individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) identified four- and five-factor solutions which accounted for >70% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (Lisrel 8.7) revealed indices of moderate fit for the five-factor solution. Our results suggest that the factor structure of the ABC is robust within an ASD sample. Both solutions yielded a three items self-injury factor. Stratifying on this factor, we identified significant differences between the high- and low-self injury groups on ABC subscales. The emergence of a self-injury factor, while not suggestive of a new subscale, warrants further exploration as a tool that could help dissect relevant neurobiobehavioral groups in ASD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Autistic Disorder / genetics
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperkinesis / diagnosis
  • Hyperkinesis / genetics
  • Hyperkinesis / psychology
  • Intelligence
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Irritable Mood
  • Language Development Disorders / diagnosis
  • Language Development Disorders / genetics
  • Language Development Disorders / psychology
  • Lethargy
  • Male
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Social Adjustment
  • Social Behavior Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Social Behavior Disorders / genetics
  • Social Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Speech Disorders / diagnosis
  • Speech Disorders / genetics
  • Speech Disorders / psychology
  • Stereotyped Behavior