Psychometric properties of the INICO-FEAPS scale in a Danish sample with autism spectrum disorders

BACKGROUND: There is a need to evaluate subjective perspectives of outcomes, such as quality of life (QoL), in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but to date, there is no specific instrument available to assess this population. While the INICO-FEAPS scale is customized for studying QoL in adolescents and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, this scale has not been previously evaluated in an ASD population.

AIMS: To examine the usability of the INICO-FEAPS scale in a Danish population of adolescents and adults with ASD.

METHODS: In a nationwide survey, 875 adolescents and adults with ASD and 1573 parents completed the INICO-FEAPS scale. Internal consistency was evaluated through several indices. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to investigate the fit of the model with eight correlated first-order factors, and convergent validity was explored comparing the results of different QoL measures through correlation analysis.

RESULTS: Internal consistency was adequate for the indices applied, and the CFA model tested indicated an acceptable fit to the data. Generally, comparisons of results of different QoL measures resulted in moderate to high correlations.

CONCLUSION: Overall, it was concluded that due to the psychometric properties found, the INICO-FEAPS scale is applicable for use in ASD populations.