Comparative analysis of general functioning subscale (GF6+): exploring measurement invariance in Kurdish parents of autistic and non-autistic children

This study assessed the construct validity and measurement invariance of the Kurdish version of the General Functioning Subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment (GF6+) among parents in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Data from 149 parents of autistic children and 161 parents of non-autistic children were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multi-group CFA. The GF6+ was found to be reliable and valid for both groups, demonstrating partial measurement invariance. Families of autistic children reported greater concerns about acceptance. The study emphasizes the importance of culturally adapted assessment tools for accurate comparisons in Kurdish contexts and contributes to understanding family functioning in diverse cultural settings. Implications for educational and mental healthcare professionals, as well as recommendations for future research, were provided.