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Functioning assessment short test for autism (FAST-A): a tool to evaluate adaptive functioning in autistic adults
Maria Martinez-Ramirez1, Laura Gisbert Gustemps2, Imanol Setién Ramos3
1Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Acreditado Instituto de Investigación - Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron (IR-HUVH, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
The FAST-A is a new 19-item scale that effectively assesses adaptive functioning in autistic adults. It identifies areas of difficulty, aiding therapeutic goals for independence and support.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Psychometrics
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Adaptive functioning is crucial for independence in autistic adults.
- Accurate assessment tools are needed to guide therapeutic interventions.
- The FAST-A was developed to address this need in the autistic adult population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Functional Assessment Scale for Autistic Adults (FAST-A).
- To explore the factorial structure and psychometric properties of the FAST-A.
- To assess adaptive functioning and identify potential areas of impairment in autistic adults.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to determine the FAST-A's structure.
- A sample of 319 autistic adults from the PAITEA program was analyzed.
- Independent samples t-tests compared FAST-A scores between genders and age groups.
Main Results:
- The FAST-A was refined to a 19-item, 4-factor scale with good model fit indices (RMSEA=0.060, CFI=0.999, TLI=0.999).
- Men scored higher in autonomy and social participation, while women scored higher in cognitive factors.
- Younger adults (18-25) showed greater impairment in autonomy compared to older adults (>25).
Conclusions:
- The FAST-A is a valid and reliable instrument for rapidly assessing adaptive functioning in autistic adults.
- The scale can help identify specific areas of need to tailor interventions.
- Findings highlight gender and age-related differences in adaptive functioning within the autistic adult population.
