Convergent validity of the autism spectrum disorders-diagnostic adult (ASD-DA) with the pervasive developmental disorder/autism subscale of the diagnostic assessment for the severely handicapped-II (DASH-II)

The Autism Spectrum Disorders-Diagnosis for Adults (ASD-DA) is a standardized assessment used to measure autistic symptomatology in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). In order to further establish the validity of this measure, convergent validity of the ASD-DA was established by comparing ASD-DA total and subscales scores with the Pervasive Developmental Disorder/Autism (PDD/Autism) subscale score on the Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped-II (DASH-II). Data was collected from 278 adults residing in two large supports and services centers in the southeastern region of the United States. The ASD-DA total scores and all subscale scores correlated with the PDD/Autism subscale score at the p <.001 level, further supporting the validity of the ASD-DA as a valid measure of autistic symptoms in adults with ID. The implications of these findings are discussed.