Validating the Repetitive Behavior Scale-revised in young children with autism spectrum disorder

J Autism Dev Disord. 2010 Dec;40(12):1521-30. doi: 10.1007/s10803-010-1012-0.

Abstract

This study examined the factor structure of the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) in a sample of 287 preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine six competing structural models. Spearman's rank order correlations were calculated to examine the associations between factor scores and variables of interest. The 3- and 5-factor models were selected as preferable on the basis of fit statistics and parsimony. For both models, the strongest correlations were with problem behavior scores on the Child Behavior Checklist and repetitive behavior scores on the ADI-R. Developmental index standard scores were not correlated with factors in either model. The results confirm the utility of the RBS-R as a measure of repetitive behaviors in young children with ASD.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Child Behavior / psychology*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stereotyped Behavior*