Getting into the game: evaluation of the reliability, validity and utility of the <i>Ignite Challenge</i> scale for school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder

Evaluate reliability, concurrent validity and utility of the <i>Ignite Challenge</i> motor skills measure for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this measurement study, children completed the <i>Ignite Challenge</i> twice, 1–3 weeks apart. A physiotherapist assessor (one of seven) conducted a child’s test-retest assessments and scored administration ease and child engagement (/10 visual analogue scale). A second assessor rated baseline assessment videos. Validity data (parent-report PEDI-CAT) were collected at baseline. Reliability analysis employed ICCs (95% CI) and evaluated minimum detectable change (MDC₈₀). Pearson’s correlations (r) estimated validity. Forty-seven children with ASD (mean 9.34 years [SD = 2.35]; 10 girls; independent social communication) were tested at baseline; 45 were retested. <i>Ignite Challenge</i> baseline and retest mean scores were 69.0% (SD = 17.1) and 69.5% (SD = 16.6) respectively, with excellent inter-rater/test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.96 [95% CI 0.92, 0.97] and ICC = 0.91 [95% CI 0.84, 0.95]) respectively, and MDC₈₀ = 9.28. Administration ease and child engagement were 6.5/10 (SD = 2.4) and 6.7/10 (SD = 2.2). <i>Ignite Challenge</i> and PEDI-CAT Social/Mobility (<i>n</i> = 45) associations were <i>r</i> = 0.54 and 0.57. Minimal suggestions for measure revisions arose from child/assessor feedback. <i>Ignite Challenge</i> can reliably identify movement strengths and challenges of children with ASD. Use may permit more appropriate evaluation and goal setting within physical activity-based programs. <i>Ignite Challenge</i> is a reliable and valid advanced motor skills measure for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ages 6 years and up.<i>Ignite Challenge</i> can be reliably scored in-person (“live”) even with younger children and those requiring increased assessor attention to optimize engagement.Most children enjoyed playing the <i>Ignite Challenge</i> “mini games”—this positive engagement (“getting into the game”) helps support assessment of their best motor performance abilities.<i>Ignite Challenge</i> identifies motor-related challenges that impact a child’s physical activity participation, and thus informs meaningful goal setting/intervention with children with ASD. <i>Ignite Challenge</i> is a reliable and valid advanced motor skills measure for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ages 6 years and up. <i>Ignite Challenge</i> can be reliably scored in-person (“live”) even with younger children and those requiring increased assessor attention to optimize engagement. Most children enjoyed playing the <i>Ignite Challenge</i> “mini games”—this positive engagement (“getting into the game”) helps support assessment of their best motor performance abilities. <i>Ignite Challenge</i> identifies motor-related challenges that impact a child’s physical activity participation, and thus informs meaningful goal setting/intervention with children with ASD.