A large scale study of the psychometric characteristics of the IBR Modified Overt Aggression Scale: findings and evidence for increased self-destructive behaviors in adult females with autism spectrum disorder

J Autism Dev Disord. 2010 May;40(5):599-609. doi: 10.1007/s10803-009-0908-z.

Abstract

The psychometric characteristics of the IBR Modified Overt Aggression Scale were studied in over 2,000 people with Intellectual Disability (ID). Reliability ranged from good to excellent. Aggression toward others and objects was highest in the youngest adults, in those in the moderate to severe range of ID, and in those with an autism spectrum diagnosis. Self-injury was highest in those in the severe to profound range of ID and in those with autism, particularly the females. Females with autism were also more likely to make the most self-deprecating statements. Our data suggest that adult females with autism are a unique group and support the notion that mood and anxiety disorders play a role in self-destructive behaviors in this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / diagnosis
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / diagnosis
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / epidemiology*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards*