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April 21, 2026Open Access

Development and preliminary psychometric evaluation of the symptoms of autistic depression—parent scale

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Symptoms of Autistic Depression—Parent (SAD-P) scale.
Administered the SAD-P and Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) to 196 parents of autistic and neurotypical youth.
Conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the scale's factor structure.
EFA indicated that a one-factor model best represents the SAD-P.
The SAD-P shows convergent validity (r = 0.65) with the CBCL Depression subscale.
Demonstrates good discriminant validity (r = 0.42) with the CBCL Conduct Problems subscale.

Abstract

Introduction The current study preliminarily assessed the psychometric properties of the Symptoms of Autistic Depression—Parent (SAD-P) scale. Method The SAD-P and the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) were administered to 196 parents of autistic and neurotypical youth. Results A preliminary exploratory factor analysis (EFA) suggested a 1-factor model best suited the SAD-P based on factor loadings, parsimony, and interpretability. EFAs conducted separately for parents of neurotypical youth and autistic youth also supported a one-factor solution. The SAD-P demonstrated acceptable convergent validity ( r =.65) with the CBCL Depression subscale and good discriminant validity ( r =.42) with the Conduct Problems subscale. Discussion Although this study is a preliminary step in scale development and more research is needed to validate the scale, the SAD-P shows promise as a preliminary measure of depressive symptoms in both autistic and neurotypical youth.

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