The French Version of the DABS: Adaptation Process and Preliminary Field Test.

von Rotz et al. (2023) translated the Diagnostic Adaptive Behavior Scale into French.

Expert panels checked every item for clarity and relevance.

They field-tested the DABS-F with adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Every expert agreed the French items were clear and relevant.

The tool kept the same meaning as the English original.

Experts said the DABS-F is ready to spot adaptive behavior deficits in French speakers.

Straccia et al. (2014) did the same job for the French DBC-A. Both used expert panels and found strong content validity.

Oliver et al. (2002) and Davis et al. (1994) showed Dutch versions of ID checklists also pass psychometric tests. Together these studies build a roadmap: translate, check with experts, then test in the field.

Spanoudis et al. (2011) went one step further and showed paid carers can reliably fill out the DBC-A in group homes. Lorna et al. stopped at expert approval, so you still need carer reliability data before using the DABS-F in everyday practice.

You now have a French tool that experts call clear and relevant. Use it to document adaptive behavior deficits for diagnosis or funding. Pair it with the French DBC-A to cover both behavior problems and daily living skills. Next, run a small reliability study with the carers in your setting to be sure their ratings hold up.