Translation and preliminary validation of the Italian version of the Family Impact of Assistive Technology Scale for Augmentative and Alternative communication (FIATS-AAC.it)

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The Family Impact of Assistive Technology Scale for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (FIATS-AAC) is an emerging parent-reported outcome measure designed to detect the functional impact of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions on family systems.

OBJECTIVE:

The present contribution reports on the adaptation of the FIATS-AAC into the Italian language.

METHOD:

The original FIATS-AAC was first translated in Italian by following a standard linguistic validation protocol that employed a translation-back-translation technique. To assess its preliminary measurement properties empirically, the initial Italian FIATS-AAC was then administered by either phone or face-to-face encounters to 30 parents or primary caregivers of children with AAC needs who were aged four to 18 years. Parents completed the scale twice with a one-week interval. During the first administration, parents also completed the standardized Impact on Family Scale as a comparative measure to assess convergent validity.

RESULTS:

Overall, the interpretation of results from internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity suggest that the Italian FIATS-AAC is a promising tool to assess child and family functioning in areas that may be impacted by the introduction of AAC interventions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Recommendations for further study include confirmation of its responsiveness to detect meaningful functional change following the introduction of AAC interventions and the utility of a shortened version.