The predictive validity, acceptability, scale assumptions, internal consistency, and precision were analysed. Results
The internal consistency was high (α = 0.93), and the standard error was adequate (1.13 [95% CI, -1.08 a 3.34]). The mean scores of the Autism module were higher in patients diagnosed with ASD and mental disability compared to the rest of the patients ( _P_ < .001).
Psychometric attributes of the spanish version of A-TAC screening scale for autism spectrum disorders
 
  Keywords
 
 
  
   Autism
  
 
 
  
   Psychometrics attributes
  
 
 
  
   Developmental disorders
  
 
 
  
   A-TAC
  
 
Abstract
 Background
As there are no biological markers for <dis>Autism Spectrum Disorders</dis> (<dis>ASD</dis>), screening must focus on behaviour and the presence of a markedly <dis>abnormal development</dis> or a <dis>deficiency in verbal and non-verbal social interaction and communication</dis>.
Objective
To evaluate the psychometric attributes of a Spanish version of the autism domain of the Autism-Tics, AD/HD and other Comorbidities Inventory (A-TAC) scale for <dis>ASD</dis> screening.
Material and methods
A total of 140 subjects (43% male, 57% female) aged 6-16, with <dis>ASD</dis> (n = 15), <dis>Mental Retardation</dis> (n = 40), <dis>Psychiatric Illness</dis> (n = 22), Tics (n = 12) and controls (n = 51), were included for <dis>ASD</dis> screening.
The predictive validity, acceptability, scale assumptions, internal consistency, and precision were analysed.
Results
The internal consistency was high (α = 0.93), and the standard error was adequate (1.13 [95% CI, -1.08 a 3.34]).
The mean scores of the Autism module were higher in patients diagnosed with <dis>ASD</dis> and <dis>mental disability</dis> compared to the rest of the patients ( _P_ < .001).
The area under the curve was 0.96 for the <dis>ASD</dis> group.
Conclusion
The autism domain of the A-TAC scale seems to be a reliable, valid and precise tool for <dis>ASD</dis> screening in the Spanish school population.
Abstract
 Background
As there are no biological markers for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), screening must focus on behaviour and the presence of a markedly abnormal development or a deficiency in verbal and non-verbal social interaction and communication.
Objective
To evaluate the psychometric attributes of a Spanish version of the autism domain of the Autism-Tics, AD/HD and other Comorbidities Inventory (A-TAC) scale for ASD screening.
Material and methods
A total of 140 subjects (43% male, 57% female) aged 6-16, with ASD (n = 15), Mental Retardation (n = 40), Psychiatric Illness (n = 22), Tics (n = 12) and controls (n = 51), were included for ASD screening.
The predictive validity, acceptability, scale assumptions, internal consistency, and precision were analysed.
Results
The internal consistency was high (α = 0.93), and the standard error was adequate (1.13 [95% CI, -1.08 a 3.34]).
The mean scores of the Autism module were higher in patients diagnosed with ASD and mental disability compared to the rest of the patients ( _P_ < .001).
The area under the curve was 0.96 for the ASD group.
Conclusion
The autism domain of the A-TAC scale seems to be a reliable, valid and precise tool for ASD screening in the Spanish school population.
The predictive validity, acceptability, scale assumptions, internal consistency, and precision were analysed. Results
The internal consistency was high (α = 0.93), and the standard error was adequate (1.13 [95% CI, -1.08 a 3.34]). The mean scores of the Autism module were higher in patients diagnosed with <dis>ASD</dis> and <dis>mental disability</dis> compared to the rest of the patients ( _P_ < .001).
ASD
DISABILITY
mental disability
DISABILITY