Some findings on the use of the adaptive behavior scale with autistic children

Two studies on the use of the AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS) with autistic children are reported. The first study compared ratings by parents and teachers on the same child. For Part I (Adaptive), significant correlations were found on total score and on 7 out of 10 individual scales. For Part II (Behavior), significant correlations were found on only 3 out of 14 scales and not on total score. The second study examined change measured by the ABS across an academic year. For Part I, significant change occurred on 5 of the 10 scales and on total score; for Part II significant differences were found on 2 of the 14 scales and not on total score. Correlations with IQ, Social Quotient (SQ), and degree of autism revealed a similar pattern. The implications of the differences between the two parts of the ABS and their utility for autistic children are discussed.