Translation and Validation of the Arabic Version of the Revised Restrictive Behaviours Scale Among Iraqi Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Suggestion for Model Modification.

Researchers translated and tested an Arabic version of a questionnaire that measures repetitive behaviors in autistic children. They studied 258 Iraqi families and found the translated questionnaire worked well and was reliable. The questionnaire measures two main types of repetitive behaviors: sensory-motor behaviors (like hand flapping) and insistence on sameness (like following strict routines). This gives Arabic-speaking families and professionals a validated tool to better understand and assess repetitive behaviors in autistic children.

This cross-sectional study validated an Arabic translation of the Revised Restrictive Behaviours Scale among 258 Iraqi children with autism spectrum disorder. Conducted at Al-Subtain Academy from December 2023 to August 2024, the research used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the scale's structure. While a 6-factor solution showed favorable fitness indices, the 2-factor solution was selected based on acceptable RMSEA (0.064) and cross-cultural validity evidence. The 2-factor model demonstrated better reliability with composite coefficients of 0.801 and 0.908, aligning with theoretical classification of repetitive behaviors into sensory-motor behaviors and insistence on sameness.

Model modifications were suggested based on item performance, showing marginal improvements in CFI and TLI indices.

Provides Arabic-speaking clinicians and researchers with a validated tool to assess restrictive and repetitive behaviors in autism. The 2-factor structure can guide targeted interventions addressing sensory-motor behaviors and insistence on sameness. Important resource for improving autism assessment and support in Middle Eastern contexts.

Single-site study at one academy limits generalizability. Cross-sectional design prevents understanding of behavior stability over time. Sample characteristics and demographic details not fully reported in the abstract, limiting interpretation of findings.

Comprehensive scales should be used to better understand the patterns of restrictive and repetitive behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder in middle and lower-income countries. This study aimed to validate an Arabic translation of the revised Repetitive Behaviours Scale. Parents of 258 children were interviewed in a cross-sectional study conducted at Al-Subtain Academy from December 1, 2023, to August 1, 2024. The R Language and Environment for Statistical Programing v4.4.2 was utilised for statistical analysis.

Following confirmatory factor analysis, the 6-factor solution was selected for further testing based on more favourable fitness indices and the 2-factor solution was selected based on an acceptable RMSEA of 0.064 and evidence of cross-cultural validity from previous validations. The 2-factor solution demonstrated better subscales' reliability, with composite coefficients of 0.801 and 0.908, and corrected item-total correlations that are more consistent with the theoretical framework for the scale. A modification for this model was suggested based on item performance and demonstrated a marginal improvement in the CFI and TLI indices. The Arabic revised repetitive behaviours scale demonstrates a valid and reliable structure, aligning with the conceptual classification of repetitive and restrictive behaviours into repetitive sensory-motor behaviours and insistence on sameness.