Validity of the Autism Spectrum Disorder-Comorbid for Children (ASD-CC)

A limited number of studies currently exist focusing on comorbid psychopathology of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Due to the heterogeneity of ASD symptoms, communication deficits, and impairments in intellectual functioning, assessing symptoms of psychopathology is complicated. The Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Children (ASD-CC) is a new measure, incorporated in an extensive assessment battery, designed to assess children with ASD for comorbid psychopathology. Reliability analyses of the ASD-CC have been conducted [Matson, J. L., & Wilkins, J. (2008). Reliability of the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Children (ASD-CC). Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 20, 155–165]. The aim of this study was to identify the factor structure of the ASD-CC and evaluate construct validity of the measure by correlating the empirically derived factors with subscales of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, Version 2 (BASC-2). Results of the analyses included a seven-factor solution. The factors were composed of items consistent with Tantrum Behavior, Repetitive Behavior, Worry/Depressed, Avoidant Behavior, Under-Eating, Over-Eating, and Conduct. Convergence between some factors of the ASD-CC and related subscales was observed as was discrimination between unrelated factors of the two measures. The ASD-CC appears to be a valid measure of comorbid psychopathology in the ASD population.