Validating the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Developmental Profile Infant-Toddler Checklist (CSBS-DP ITC) Beyond Infancy in the CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder

J Autism Dev Disord. 2024 Jul;54(7):2526-2535. doi: 10.1007/s10803-023-06002-w. Epub 2023 May 15.

Abstract

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) results in early-onset epilepsy and lifelong cognitive and motor impairments. With no validated measure for communication in CDD, this study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Developmental Profile Infant Toddler Checklist (CSBS-DP ITC). Caregivers (n = 150; affected individuals aged 1-29 years) completed the CSBS-DP ITC. Distribution of scores indicated a floor effect. There was poor divergent validity for the three-factor model but goodness of fit and convergent validity data were satisfactory for the one-factor model. Individuals with poorer overall functional abilities scored lower on the CSBS-DP ITC. Test-retest reliability was excellent. The floor effect could explain the very high reliability, suggesting problems as a sensitive outcome measure in clinical trials for CDD.

Keywords: CDKL5 deficiency disorder; Communication; Outcome measure; Psychometric.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Checklist* / methods
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Communication*
  • Epileptic Syndromes* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Psychometrics* / instrumentation
  • Psychometrics* / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Spasms, Infantile
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • CDKL5 deficiency disorder