Investigating the Quality of Life for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Scale Using Rasch Methodology

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Advancements in Measurement Models and Evaluation Methods (Table 14)

Abstract

Our purpose in this study was to provide additional psychometric evidence of the Quality of Life for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (QOLASD-C) scale. We used Rasch modeling to investigate the QOLASD-C functioning, the characteristics of the items comprising the scale, and the item functioning across subgroups of children with ASD based on gender and race/ethnicity. Results showed that QOLASD-C was unidimensional, met the local independence assumption, and measured quality of life (QOL). The items showed excellent fit to the model and good discriminating ability between low and high QOL. Most items showed a moderate difficulty level. No differential item functioning was observed based on children’s gender and race/ethnicity. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Laura Chezan, Old Dominion University

• Jin Liu, University of Texas - Arlington

• Ruiqin Gao, University of South Carolina