The ABC-C is a 58-item rating scale used to assess maladaptive behaviors
across five original dimensions or subscales: Irritability, Hyperactivity,
Lethargy/Withdrawal, Stereotypy, and Inappropriate Speech. Items are evaluated
on a four-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all a problem) to 3 (the
problem is severe in degree). The first Aberrant Behavior Checklist
(ABC-Residential) was developed to measure treatment efficacy among individuals
with developmental disabilities living in residential facilities (Aman et al. 1985 (link)). The five subscales were
empirically derived using factor analysis in a sample of 927 residents of
institutions or homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities
(65% male, average age = 25.9 years). This original version was later
modified and items specific to an institutional setting were revised to apply to
a community setting. The factor structure and strong psychometric properties of
the ABC-R are preserved in the ABC-C and are robust for both genders and across
various ages (Aman et al. 1995 (link); Brown et al. 2002 (link); Marshburn and Aman 1992 (link); Ono 1996 ).
across five original dimensions or subscales: Irritability, Hyperactivity,
Lethargy/Withdrawal, Stereotypy, and Inappropriate Speech. Items are evaluated
on a four-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all a problem) to 3 (the
problem is severe in degree). The first Aberrant Behavior Checklist
(ABC-Residential) was developed to measure treatment efficacy among individuals
with developmental disabilities living in residential facilities (Aman et al. 1985 (link)). The five subscales were
empirically derived using factor analysis in a sample of 927 residents of
institutions or homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities
(65% male, average age = 25.9 years). This original version was later
modified and items specific to an institutional setting were revised to apply to
a community setting. The factor structure and strong psychometric properties of
the ABC-R are preserved in the ABC-C and are robust for both genders and across
various ages (Aman et al. 1995 (link); Brown et al. 2002 (link); Marshburn and Aman 1992 (link); Ono 1996 ).
