Development and Validation of the Parent-Rated Sensory Reactivity Scale for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This study examined the new parent-report assessment’s reliability and validity, the Eyuboglu Sensory Reactivity Scale (ESRS), in children with ASD. The ESRS was designed to assess the frequency of sensory behaviors in children with ASD. A total of 167 (age 2–18, M = 6.4±4.1 years, 79.6 % male) children and their families were included. Parents were asked to fill in the ESRS and the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). In addition, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was administered by the clinician. The psychometric properties were examined through reliability and validity analyses. According to explorative factor analysis, the ESRS consists of a 15 five-point Likert-type that has acceptable internal consistency and good validity for children aged 2 through 18. Cronbach’s alpha of the scale was 0.85. The scale also showed good concurrent and convergent validity. The ESRS has the potential to measure unusual sensory reactions and can be used to follow up sensory interventions in children with ASD.