Localization of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Knowledge Scale Professional Version (ASKSP-R) in Western Cities of China: A Case Study

Objective This study aimed to translate, revise, and validate the Autism Spectrum Knowledge Scale for Professional Version-Revised (ASKSP-R), which is used to assess the knowledge of professionals involved in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) care and services, such as clinicians, educators, and therapists, in the Chinese context. Methods We used random and snowball sampling methods; the scale was revised via methods such as expert consultation and a literature search. We used EXCEL for descriptive analyses, SPSS27.0 for assessing the scale’s reliability and validity, and AMOS26 for validated factor analysis. Moreover, the 2PL model in item–response theory (IRT) was analyzed for discrimination ability via R Studio (version 4.2.2). Results With a Cronbach’s α of 0.885, the internal consistency of the ASKSP-R (Chinese version) was good. Moreover, a KMO of 0.888 indicated the scale’s superior validity, while its multidimensional structure was illustrated by RMSEA = 0.059, IFI = 0.88, TLI = 0.866, and RFI = 0.853. All the entries were between > 0.5 and < 3, and the difficulty levels ranged from − 3 to + 3. The AVE and CR values were > 0.36 and > 0.66, respectively. Conclusions The revised ASKSP-R scale has robust psychometric properties and can be used to assess the relevant knowledge of clinicians, educators, therapists, and other ASD-related professionals, enabling appropriate interventions on the basis of assessment results, promoting targeted training and education, and increasing the rate of early diagnosis and intervention for ASD.