The reliability and validity of the Tokyo Autistic Behaviour Scale

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Developmental Disorders
• Behavioral Assessment

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) requires accurate diagnostic tools.
• The Tokyo Autistic Behavior Scale (TABS) was developed to assess autistic behaviors.
• The TABS uses caretaker ratings on a 3-point scale across four behavioral areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Tokyo Autistic Behavior Scale (TABS).
• To determine if TABS scores can distinguish infantile autism from other conditions.
• To assess the TABS's utility as a measure of autistic behavior.

Main Methods:

• The study involved caretakers rating children's behaviors using the 39-item TABS.
• Test-retest reliability was calculated for the total TABS score.
• TABS scores were compared across six DSM-III diagnostic groups.
• Convergent validity was assessed by comparing TABS scores with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale--Tokyo Version.

Main Results:

• The TABS demonstrated satisfactory test-retest reliability (r = .94 for total score).
• Infantile autism group scored significantly higher on TABS than other groups (taxonomic validity = .54).
• TABS total scores showed a moderate correlation with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale--Tokyo Version (r = .59).
• Individual area scores exhibited lower validity compared to the total score.

Conclusions:

• The Tokyo Autistic Behavior Scale (TABS) is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing autistic behaviors.
• TABS effectively differentiates infantile autism, supporting its clinical application.
• The scale shows promise as a useful tool for the evaluation of autistic behaviors in children.