Asrs teacher ratings

Running Head: EVALUATION OF TEST MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES 1.

6

EVALUATION OF TEST MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES

Test Items and Format

The Autism Spectrum Rating Scale is a norm-referenced test, meaning that the ASRS looked at what behaviors are most commonly presented in ASD and in an individuals age range. The scale allows for rapid assessment, a family member, caregiver, teacher, or any adult figure that has known the child for at least 4 weeks can administer the test. Administering the test can take place in a home, school, parks, or on vacation. If the individual requires the ASRS is available in English or Spanish, allowing for administration in either format. An online format or a paper copy is available that is available for administration and scoring. Also, a software system is available in regards to scoring. This assessment is intended for individuals who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder and are between the ages of 2-18 years of age. There are two different forms that can be utilized according to age and attention span. Children are dived into two groups, group one is designed for children between 2-5 years of age and group two contains children between 6-18 years of age. To make a test measure fair one looks at the content found within the assessment and the types of formatting options available. Myers and McReynolds (2014) conducted a research study regarding behavior-rating scales to see how effective it is in identifying children with autism. Why, one may ask is it important to identify children at a young age with ASD? To provide accurate and early intervention services to individuals with an autism spectrum diagnosis, as early intervention has been proven to be most effective. Autism Spectrum Disorder is difficult to diagnose, because ASD is a spanning a broad range of severity across multiple ages and developmental level. To evaluate the effectiveness of a broadband behavior rating scale within rural United States. Participants were diagnosed with a developmental disorder and presented behavior issues. Out of the 156 participants 59 males and 11 females with ASD were present. Psychological evaluations were conducted for children between birth and up to 8 years of age for 30 months. The parents of the children between two years of age and 71 months were also asked to participate. 169 agreed and one parent chose not to participate. The results of the research showed that the most effective scales for diagnosing ASD are: withdrawn/ depressed, social problems, thought problems, aggressive behavior, pervasive developmental problems, anxiety, functional communication, and hyperactivity. If one is to compare the results of this research study one can see how the ASRS addresses each one of the characteristics Myers, and McReynolds (2014) found to be most effective in addressing ASD and behavior issues (Myers, Gross, and McReynolds, 2014). The content of the ASRS is broken down into 13 categories. Skills tested are separated into the following subsets: social/communication, unusual behaviors, peer socialization, social/ emotional reciprocity, stereotypy, adult socialization, behavioral rigidity, atypical language, sensory sensitivity, attention/ self-regulation, and short form score (Goldstein and Naglieri 2010a). The questions the ASRS address are based on parent and teacher ratings of 2560 children from the United States. The short forms are compromised of 15 questions that have been shown through research to be the most effective when measuring behavior. 71 questions are included in the long form of the assessment (Jones, 2013). When either a short or long form is used a parent or caregiver questionnaire is also filled out (2010b). Parental or caregiver questionaries’ are in the form of a 5-point Likert response scale (2009a). The score of the assessment is then based on the DSM V criteria. The format of the ASRS can be given in English or in Spanish. Also, there is an ASRS non-verbal assessment that can be utilized. Using the ASRS scoring guide can provide three different reports. The first report it can provide is the interpretive report, which is a detailed result from the administration of the test. A comparative report is the second report the software is able to produce, which involves a multi-rater perspective from two or more assessments of the ASRS. Lastly the software has the capability to provide progress-monitoring reports, which provide an overview of change over time by using at most four assessments of the ASRS. When an individual is evaluating the positives of the ASRS, the format of the test is simple, logical, easy to administer, and great at identifying ASD/ interventions/ as well as providing ongoing evaluations. The publishing website overs the option to purchase manuals, scoring guides, as well as take classes on scoring methods. The test presents a high rate of inter-rater reliability, class B instruments, a high rate of validity is seen from the scientific community, as well as positive feedback from parents and teachers. The negatives regarding the test are that a parent or a caregiver cannot complete the scoring method. A class level of a C is required in regards to scoring. Level C consists of a master degree in a health-related field or a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy (2009b).