Psychometric study of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist in Fragile X Syndrome and implications for targeted treatment

J Autism Dev Disord. 2012 Jul;42(7):1377-92. doi: 10.1007/s10803-011-1370-2.

Abstract

Animal studies elucidating the neurobiology of fragile X syndrome (FXS) have led to multiple controlled trials in humans, with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C) commonly adopted as a primary outcome measure. A multi-site collaboration examined the psychometric properties of the ABC-C in 630 individuals (ages 3-25) with FXS using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results support a six-factor structure, with one factor unchanged (Inappropriate Speech), four modified (Irritability, Hyperactivity, Lethargy/Withdrawal, and Stereotypy), and a new Social Avoidance factor. A comparison with ABC-C data from individuals with general intellectual disability and a list of commonly endorsed items are also reported. Reformulated ABC-C scores based on this FXS-specific factor structure may provide added outcome measure specificity and sensitivity in FXS clinical trials.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Checklist*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / genetics
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / genetics
  • Fragile X Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Fragile X Syndrome / genetics
  • Fragile X Syndrome / psychology
  • Fragile X Syndrome / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / diagnosis
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology
  • Intellectual Disability / therapy
  • Male
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Social Adjustment
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • FMR1 protein, human
  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein