Empirically derived model of social outcomes and predictors for adults with ASD

This study used data from the National Core Indicators (NCI) Survey to derive an empirically validated measurement model for social outcomes and associated constructs for both individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and individuals with other disabilities. Items consistent with the survey structure of the NCI were selected as initial indicators of the latent constructs Social Relationships, Community Inclusion, and Opportunity for Choice in factor analyses. Results yielded a novel factor structure that is different from the original NCI survey structure. Three factors emerged as a result of these analyses: Personal Control, Social Determination, and Social Participation and Relationships. The factor structure of each of these constructs was consistent although not identical across individuals with ASD and individuals with developmental disabilities other than ASD.