This is the second topic of our RBT exam study guide. In this section, you’ll learn about the significance of assessment in applied behavior analysis (ABA). This page covers everything mentioned in Section B of the BACB’s RBT Task List 2.0.
Assessment
Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) involves systematically gathering information about an individual’s behavior, skills, preferences, and environmental factors.
This process is crucial for understanding the individual’s strengths and challenges. After assessing the target behavior, the BCBAs create personalized therapy programs and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
1. Conduct Preference Assessments
Preference assessment is one of the crucial assessments used in applied behavior analysis. It identifies the items and activities a learner enjoys or determines stimuli that may act as reinforcers. This does not necessarily mean that the item will be reinforcing; it is just that the learner prefers that stimulus over others.
RBTs may conduct the preference assessments formally or informally on an ongoing basis. A learner interested in an activity last week may lose interest this week. That’s why behavior technicians conduct preference assessments on a regular basis.
There are several types of preference assessment RBTs may conduct to find out learner’s preferences:
- Indirect Assessments: RBTs may conduct an interview or ask the learner’s family member or caretaker questions about their likes and dislikes.
- Free-Operant Preference Assessment: In a free-operant preference assessment, we watch to see what someone chooses from different items. It helps us know what they prefer. Then, we can figure out better ways to encourage good behavior and use rewards to teach or help them.
- Single Stimulus Preference Assessment: In a single stimulus preference assessment, we show the learner one thing at a time and see how much they like it. Then, we note down their reaction. It helps us know what they prefer and how to help them better.
- Paired Stimulus Preference Assessment: In paired stimulus preference assessment, we show two things at a time and see which one someone likes more. This helps us know their favorites, which is essential for planning how to help them learn or behave better.
- Multiple Stimulus With Replacement Preference Assessment (MSW): In this preference assessment, we show many things at once and then replace the chosen item with a new one. It helps us determine what someone likes best, which allows us to plan how to help them learn or behave better.
- Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement (MSWO): In the MSWO preference assessment, we show the learner several items and see which one they pick. After choosing, we take that item away and show them the rest. This helps us understand their preferences and plan how to help them learn or behave better.
2. Assist With Individualized Assessment Procedures
In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), various individualized assessments are used to understand a learner’s skills and needs.
Skill-based assessments identify strengths and areas that require improvement for setting therapy goals. These assessments don’t diagnose disorders but show learners’ abilities in different areas.
RBTs assist BCBA in conducting assessments by observing and recording a learner’s responses without prompting or correcting errors.
- Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP): It is a tool used in ABA therapy to evaluate verbal and social skills in children with autism or developmental delays. It assesses various milestones across different domains, such as communication, socialization, and independent living. The results help therapists create individualized intervention plans to support the child’s language and social development progress.
- Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS-R): It is a tool to understand a person’s language and learning abilities. It looks at areas like communication, social, and self-help skills. It helps caregivers and therapists make personalized plans to support the person’s development and learning.
- Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS): It is a tool used to evaluate a person’s ability to perform daily tasks independently. It covers self-care, home living, community participation, and vocational skills. AFLS helps caregivers and therapists understand the person’s strengths and challenges in practical activities, guiding the development of tailored support plans to enhance their independence and quality of life.
3. Assist With Functional Assessment Procedures
Assisting with functional assessment procedures involves helping individuals, especially learners with behaviors impacting their learning or interactions, understand the reasons behind their actions.
Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) use various tools to pinpoint behaviors’ function(s), which is crucial for developing personalized strategies.
By observing triggers and consequences, caregivers and therapists can tailor interventions to modify behavior effectively, promoting positive outcomes and improved quality of life.
Here are different types of assessment tools that can be used in FBA:
- Indirect Assessments: It gathers information about an individual’s behavior from sources other than direct observation. This may include interviews, questionnaires, checklists, and reviewing records or reports. Indirect assessments provide valuable insights into a person’s behavior, preferences, and needs, helping caregivers and therapists understand underlying factors influencing behavior. By combining indirect assessment data with direct observations, professionals can develop comprehensive understanding and personalized interventions to support individuals effectively.
- Direct Assessments: This method allows caregivers and therapists to gather accurate and detailed information about the frequency, duration, and intensity of specific behaviors, as well as the antecedents and consequences that influence them. Descriptive assessments provide valuable data for understanding behavior patterns and identifying potential triggers or reinforcement factors. This information is essential for developing targeted intervention strategies tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
- Functional Analysis (FA): It is a method used to understand why someone behaves in specific ways. It involves observing behavior in different situations to determine what triggers and happens afterward. This helps caregivers and therapists develop personalized plans to support the person effectively.