Imagine trying to teach a class without a syllabus. You wouldn't know if the students are ready for Algebra or if they still need help with Addition.
Skill Assessments are our syllabus. Before we start teaching an ABA program, we must find out exactly what the learner already knows and what they are missing. In this lesson, we break down the "Alphabet Soup" of ABA assessments: VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, and AFLS.
This video explores Curriculum-Based Assessments. These are comprehensive tools that give us a "roadmap" for therapy. Unlike Functional Assessments (which look at bad behavior), Skill Assessments look at good behavior (what skills we need to teach). We cover the three major tools used in the field today.
⏱️ Video Timeline
The difference between assessing behavior reduction (FBA) and skill acquisition (Curriculum).
Focuses on Verbal Behavior and social milestones. Ideal for early learners (ages 0-4 developmentally).
Focuses on Basic Language & Learning Skills. It is a massive checklist of skills (A-Z). Ideal for learners who are "stuck" or need a very detailed breakdown.
Focuses on Functional Living (cooking, cleaning, shopping). Ideal for older learners or those focusing on independence.
🔑 Key Insights
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. The "Big Three" Cheat Sheet
2. Assisting with Assessments
Your BCBA is running an ABLLS-R assessment. They ask you: "Check if Johnny can label 10 animals."
You sit with Johnny and show him flashcards. You do not teach him. You just record: "Cat (Yes), Dog (Yes), Pig (No)..."
This is called Probing.
📝 Knowledge Check
Can you pick the right tool?
Q1: You have a 16-year-old client who needs to learn how to do laundry and cook a meal. Which assessment is best?
AFLS is designed for independence and daily living tasks.
Q2: An assessment that looks like a grid and checks hundreds of small skills (like "Matches identical pictures") is likely the:
The ABLLS is famous for its grid-style tracking system.
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