Psychometric Validation of the Autism Impact Measure (AIM)

J Autism Dev Disord. 2019 Jun;49(6):2559-2570. doi: 10.1007/s10803-019-04011-2.

Abstract

The Autism impact measure (AIM) is a caregiver-reported questionnaire assessing autism symptom frequency and impact in children, previously shown to have good test-retest reliability, convergent validity and structural validity. This study extended previous work by exploring the AIM's ability to discriminate between 'known-groups' of children, and estimating thresholds for clinically important responses. Data were collected online and electronically on computer and mobile devices; hence, it was also possible to confirm other psychometric properties of the AIM in this format. This study provides confirmatory and additional psychometric validation of the AIM. The AIM offers a valid, quick and inexpensive method for caregivers to report core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including communication deficits, difficulties with social interactions and repetitive behaviors.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Outcome; Psychometric validation; Symptoms; Treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Caregivers
  • Child
  • Communication
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Psychometrics*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires