Brief Report: Factor Analysis of the Brazilian Version of the Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient

Autism traits dimensionality and multivariate relationship with alexithymia and anxiety in the general population

BACKGROUND

Autism is characterized by social and non-social alterations observed beyond the clinical diagnosis. Research analyzing the expression of autism traits in the general population helps to unravel the relationship between autism dimensions and other associated variables, such as alexithymia and anxiety. The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was developed to assess autism traits in the general population; however, inconsistent results regarding its dimensionality have emerged.

AIMS

This study aimed to extend evidence about the AQ measurement model, and explore the multivariate relationship between autism traits, alexithymia, and trait anxiety.

METHODS

292 adults of the general population were recruited. An Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were performed to assess the factorial structure of AQ. A path analysis was carried out to explore the relationship between autism traits, alexithymia, and trait anxiety.

RESULTS

The results supported a three-factor model of AQ. The path analysis model showed evidence of a significant role of alexithymia as a mediator of the relationship between autism traits and anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The present study provides empirical support for a three-factor model of AQ in the general population. The association between autism traits, alexithymia, and anxiety dimensions highlights the multidimensional nature of these variables and the need to account for their distinct impact on autism-related variables.

The adaptive ability performance test ( ADAPT ): A factor analytic study in clients with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

The adaptive ability performance test (ADAPT) was developed to assess adaptive skills in individuals with intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning, with or without mental disorders. As a follow-up to earlier research on the ADAPT, a factor analytic study was conducted.

METHOD

One thousand and sixty six ADAPTs from clients with (suspected) intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning and 129 ADAPTs from participants from the general population were collected along with other characteristics (e.g., IQ, psychiatric classifications, living situation).

RESULTS

An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed and resulted in good fit indices. Subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multigroup CFA showed acceptable to good fit indices. This resulted in an instrument with eight factors and 62 items.

CONCLUSION

Factor analytic results suggest that the ADAPT is a valid instrument that measures adaptive skills in individuals with intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning.

The Autism Spectrum Quotient in a sample of Brazilian adults: analyses of normative data and performance

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and inflexible behaviors/interests. To quantify ASD traits in adults with preserved intelligence, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was developed, which is a self-report instrument and one of the most used and recommended tools.