Getting into the game: evaluation of the reliability, validity and utility of the scale for school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder.

PURPOSE

Evaluate reliability, concurrent validity and utility of the motor skills measure for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

MATERIALS/METHODS: In this measurement study, children completed the twice, 1-3 weeks apart. A physiotherapist assessor (one of seven) conducted a child's test-retest assessments and scored administration ease and child engagement (/10 visual analogue scale). A second assessor rated baseline assessment videos. Validity data (parent-report PEDI-CAT) were collected at baseline. Reliability analysis employed ICCs (95% CI) and evaluated minimum detectable change (MDC). Pearson's correlations (r) estimated validity.

RESULTS

Forty-seven children with ASD (mean 9.34 years [SD = 2.35]; 10 girls; independent social communication) were tested at baseline; 45 were retested. baseline and retest mean scores were 69.0% (SD = 17.1) and 69.5% (SD = 16.6) respectively, with excellent inter-rater/test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.96 [95% CI 0.92, 0.97] and ICC = 0.91 [95% CI 0.84, 0.95]) respectively, and MDC = 9.28. Administration ease and child engagement were 6.5/10 (SD = 2.4) and 6.7/10 (SD = 2.2). and PEDI-CAT Social/Mobility ( = 45) associations were  = 0.54 and 0.57. Minimal suggestions for measure revisions arose from child/assessor feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

can reliably identify movement strengths and challenges of children with ASD. Use may permit more appropriate evaluation and goal setting within physical activity-based programs.