Person Ability Scores as an Alternative to Norm-Referenced Scores as Outcome Measures in Studies of Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

2020

475-480

2020 11 01

1944-7558

<p>Although norm-referenced scores are essential to the identification of disability, they possess several features which affect their sensitivity to change. Norm-referenced scores often decrease over time among people with neurodevelopmental disorders who exhibit slower-than-average increases in ability. Further, the reliability of norm-referenced scores is lower at the tails of the distribution, resulting in floor effects and increased measurement error for people with neurodevelopmental disorders. In contrast, the person ability scores generated during the process of constructing a standardized test with item response theory are designed to assess change. We illustrate these limitations of norm-referenced scores, and relative advantages of ability scores, using data from studies of autism spectrum disorder and creatine transporter deficiency.</p>

10.1352/1944-7558-125.6.475

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil

33211814

Early Indicators of Creatine Transporter Deficiency.

2019

283-285

2019 Mar

1097-6833

<p>Early identification is a goal for creatine transporter deficiency and will be critical for future treatment. Before their first birthday, one-half of this sample showed both a significant feeding/weight gain issue and delayed sitting or crawling. Combined, these early indicators could have alerted providers to conduct a urine screen.</p>

10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.11.008

J. Pediatr.

30579583