The development of the Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire, Second edition (ASK-Q-2), through a cross-cultural psychometric investigation

Abstract

The Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) was developed and validated to assess autism knowledge across cultural contexts. Given the wide international use of the measure, the current study aimed to re-examine the measurement properties of the ASK-Q. Using a large, international database ( n = 5064), psychometric analyses examined both item discrimination and differential item functioning across four countries. These analyses identified 18 items in need of examination for removal or refinement and retention. Further review by a team of autism experts identified additional changes required to minimize item stigma and increase item cross-cultural sensitivity and accuracy. These changes resulted in the ASK-Q, Second edition (ASK-Q-2), a briefer measure, that maintained the original four-factor structure and excellent internal consistency, but that now has even higher reliability for use in cross-cultural contexts. Lay abstract The Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) was developed to assess autism knowledge across cultural contexts. The current study aimed to examine cultural equivalence of the measure using a large, international database. These analyses identified 18 items in need of examination for removal or revision. A team of autism experts recommended several additional changes to reduce stigma and increase cross-cultural sensitivity and accuracy of the items on the measure. These changes resulted in a briefer measure with maintained statistical support.