The Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised: Independent Validation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and a Control Group in Albania

Abstract

A key feature of autism is restricted repetitive behavior (RRB). Despite the significance of RRBs, little is known about their phenomenology, assessment, and treatment. The objective of this study is the vvalidation of the Albanian version of the RBS-R in an independent sample of ASD children. In order to validate the RBS-R in an independent sample, a survey was conducted in Albania at National Center of Childrens’ Rehabilitation including 30 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and a control group of 30 children without ASD. Factor analyses produced a five-factor solution that was both clinically meaningful and statistically sound, namely: Ritualistic/Sameness Behavior, Stereotypic Behavior, Self-Injurious Behavior, Compulsive Behavior and Restricted Interests. Measures of internal consistency were good for this five-subscale solution. The effects of baseline characteristics (age and gender) were examined. Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure internal consistency. The alpha values for the five subscales, ranged from 0.72 (Stereotypic) to 0.85 (Ritualistic/ Sameness Behavior). All values are within or above the acceptable range for research purposes. The Albanian version of RBS-R appears to have sound psychometric characteristics and can be used to differentiate various types of repetitive behaviors.