Abstract
Background and aims: We investigated whether improving the cognitive accessibility of a widely used self-report measure leads to better understanding and more accurate answers in a sample of adults with mild intellectual disability and borderline intellectual functioning. Methods and procedures: We undertook a series of cognitive interviews before and after adaptation of the instructions and selected items of an existing self-report measure of adaptive functioning. Interview results and participant feedback were supplemented with quantitative comparisons between participant and carer scores. Outcomes and results: Adaptation based on participant experiences and preferences combined with evidence-informed guidelines improved understanding and accuracy. Self-report and carer-report scores showed greater convergence after adaptation; this occurred because people with intellectual disabilities appeared to understand the self-report measure more effectively. Conclusions and implications: The results show that adaptation of the self-report instrument to suit the needs and preferences of people with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning leads to a more accessible measure and more reliable and valid results. Results also highlight the importance of complementing proxy reports with a first-person perspective in assessment as clients and informants may differ in their assessment of behavior and skills.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 104851 |
Journal | Research in Developmental Disabilities |
Volume | 154 |
Early online date | 12 Oct 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2024 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adaptation
- Borderline intelligent functioninginclusivity
- Mild intellectual disability
- Psychometrics
- Self-report