The Floor Effect on the ABAS-II in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Fiorenzo Laghi; Rosa Ferri; Elvira Caramuscio; Antonia Lonigro; Monica Rea; Lina Pezzuti

doi:10.1007/s10803-021-05369-y

The Floor Effect on the ABAS-II in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

J Autism Dev Disord. 2022 Nov;52(11):4975-4985. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05369-y. Epub 2021 Nov 20.

Authors

Fiorenzo Laghi¹, Rosa Ferri², Elvira Caramuscio², Antonia Lonigro³, Monica Rea², Lina Pezzuti⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
² Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185, Rome, Italy.
³ Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
⁴ Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185, Rome, Italy. lina.pezzuti@uniroma1.it.

PMID: 34800229
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05369-y

Abstract

The present study aimed at enhancing the assessment of adaptive behavior in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder trough the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-Second Edition. To overcome the limits underpinning floor effect, which are commonly observed with the traditional methods, the statistical Hessl method and its revision by Orsini, Pezzuti and Hulbert was adopted. The results showed a more variation using the former method compared to the latter: a greater impairment in Social versus Leisure skills emerged. Regarding the Conceptual domain, a greater deficit in Functional Academics was observed. In the Practical domain, we found a greater impairment in Self-Care skills. Conversely, Home Living skills appeared as a strength compared to other skills. The results are discussed in reference to literature.

Keywords: ABAS-II; Adaptive behavior; Adolescence; Autism spectrum disorder; Floor effect.

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Adolescent
Autism Spectrum Disorder*
Humans