The Cultural Adaptation and Validation of an Urdu Version of the Revised Social Communication Checklist (SCC-R) for Pakistani Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This study focuses on the cultural adaptation and validation of an Urdu version of the Revised Social Communication Checklist (SCC-R) for assessing social communication skills in Pakistani children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Due to the lack of validated assessment tools in Urdu, this study aimed to ensure the SCC-R’s cultural relevance and psychometric reliability for use in the Pakistani context. Following Brislin’s model for translation and adaptation, the tool underwent forward and backward translations, with an expert panel refining it to fit cultural and linguistic nuances. A sample of 42 mothers (18 with ASD children and 24 with typically developing children) participated, completing the SCC-R in controlled settings. Content validity was assessed using a panel of experts, resulting in a high Content Validity Index (CVI), demonstrating the instrument's relevance. Psychometric analyses, including reliability tests and item-total correlations, showed moderate reliability across most subscales, with some recommendations for refining the “Imitation” subscale. Significant differences between ASD and typically developing groups on all subscales validated the SCC-R’s effectiveness in distinguishing social communication skills. This study underscores the importance of culturally tailored tools, paving the way for more accurate assessments and interventions for ASD in non-Western contexts.