The preliminary analysis of the reliability and validity of the Chinese Edition of the CSBS DP

• The CSBS DP-Chinese Edition demonstrated overall good reliability and validity.
• Three composites collectively predicted subjects’ subsequent development.
• Most stable and predictive power were observed with the symbolic composite.
• Least stable and low concurrent validity were observed with the social subscale.
• Challenges revealed in adapting assessments for young children in different cultures.

This study marked a preliminary attempt to standardize the Chinese Edition of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile ( Wetherby & Prizant, 2002; CSBS DP) to assist in the early identification of young children with special needs in Taiwan. The study was conducted among 171 infants and toddlers aged 1–2. It also included a follow-up study one year after the initial test. Three domestically developed standardized child development inventories were used to measure the concurrent validity and predictive validity. The Chinese Edition of the CSBS DP demonstrated overall good test–retest and inter-rater reliability. It also showed good concurrent and predictive validity. The current study yields preliminary evidence that the Chinese Edition of the CSBS DP could be a valuable assessment tool worthy of wider distribution. Future research should employ random sampling to establish a true national norm. Additionally, the follow-up study needs to include atypical groups and to expand to children aged 6–12 months to strengthen the applicability of the instrument in Taiwan.