A Comparison of Maternal and Paternal BASC Scores for Individuals with ASD

Background: Previous research has generally indicated that maternal and paternal reports of childhood behavioral functioning, as measured by the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) (first and second editions) are often inconsistent. Some research suggests that fathers underreport symptoms relative to the mother report, while others suggest that mothers and fathers are each sensitive to specific types of symptoms thus making their reports dissimilar. Previous research has primarily focused on various childhood disorders and typically developing children, but there is very little research investigating differences in parental reports of behavioral functioning from parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).

Objectives: To explore the possible differences between maternal and paternal reports on the BASC for children with an ASD. Furthermore, to determine whether there are specific differences between maternal and paternal reports on the BASC within diagnosis (Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and PDD-NOS).

Methods: Methods included a retrospective chart review of 40 files from the Autism Spectrum Assessment Clinic at the University of Miami.  Reviewed charts included children and adolescents who were diagnosed with an ASD, and whose chart included BASCs completed by both mother and father. The sample includes: 10 PDD-NOS, 9 Asperger’s Disorder, and 21 Autistic Disorder. Data pertinent to the study were extracted including maternal and paternal reports on either the BASC 1 or BASC 2.

Results: Paired sample t-tests indicated no significant differences between maternal and paternal reports when all children with ASD were included in the analysis, and within the PDD-NOS group. Analysis for children in the Asperger’s Disorder revealed that mothers’ ratings were significantly higher than fathers’ in the Attention Problems domain, and, in the Autistic Disorder group, mothers’ ratings were significantly lower in the areas of Daily Living Skills, and Adaptive Skills.

Conclusions: Analyses suggest that in general, maternal and paternal ratings of children and adolescents with ASD on the BASC are very similar, while within each diagnosis there are some differences where, in general, mothers report more impairment. Implications of these findings suggest that clinicians should be aware of the potential similarities and differences in reporting patterns between parents, and should utilize that knowledge when making diagnostic or behavioral conclusions and recommendations.