Profile analysis of the Personality Assessment Inventory-Adolesence (PAI-A) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

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Authors
Hooks, Elizabeth N.
Advisor
McIntosh, David E. (David Eugene) 1963-
Issue Date
2017-12-16
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (Ph. D.)
Department
Department of Educational Psychology
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine if individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) display a unique pattern of responses on the Personality Assessment Inventory – Adolescent (PAI-A). Specifically, a profile analysis was conducted to determine if the pattern could be used to identify and diagnose adolescents with ASD. Twenty Adolescents between ages 12 and 18 completed the PAI-A and their scores were compared to a matched community and clinical sample from the standardization sample of the PAI-A. Results indicated the ASD sample was significantly higher than the community sample on the anxiety-related disorders, depression, and schizophrenia scales. The ASD group was significantly lower than the clinical group on the anti-social scales. The results of the present study supported previous research and identified the potential of a personality profile for adolescents with ASD on the PAI-A. Future research should expand the profile analysis to include validity scales, treatment scales, and subscales, as well as identify any potential differences in gender