A Collaborative Approach to Adapting Measures for Use With Autistic Individuals: The UCLA Loneliness Scale

• In Event: New Developments in Item Response Theory Modeling and Applications

Abstract

Self-report measures frequently fail to adequately measure their target construct in Autistic individuals. In order to adapt an existing measure of loneliness for effective use with Autistic individuals, we employed a collaborative model for evaluating and adapting the UCLA Loneliness Scale. To build evidence for content validity, we conducted a rigorous examination of the UCLA Loneliness Scale items in partnership with Autistic individuals. Adaptations were made to some items through cognitive interviewing and expert reviews to ensure items were easier to understand and reflect the loneliness construct. Following the adaptation phase, data collection and subsequent psychometric analyses provided additional validity evidence. The adaptations made resulted in a robust instrument which measures loneliness in both Autistic and non-autistic individuals.

Authors

• Abigail M. A. Love, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)

• Chris Edwards, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)

• Ru Ying Cai, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)

• Kana Grace, University College London - IOE

• Michael D. Toland, University of Toledo

• David Dueber, University of Toledo

• Michelle H. Lim, University of Sydney

• Vicki Gibbs, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)