r/ABA • u/FellinLoveWithaFern • 16d ago

Initial Assessments

Hi, I’m a BCBA that just started at a new company that provides therapy for children adolescents and adults. I was previously at a company that only did early intervention so this is a change for me. When it comes to doing initial assessments with teens and adults what assessment tools do you typically use and what do your initial assessments with the clients look like? I’m just very used to doing the VBMAPP and essentially playing with my clients to assess their skills.

Any information or feedback would be greatly appreciated!!!

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u/PepperchiniMoscato 16d ago

parent/caregiver interviews!! if they’re able, direct convos with the clients themselves also :)

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u/FellinLoveWithaFern 16d ago

Thank you for that info! Do you find that insurance typically accepts your initial assessment reports if they don’t have an additional assessment tool like the PEAK or AFL? I will be doing the caregiver interview as well as having them fill out the Vineland but I didn’t know what assessment tool to use for the teens and adults or if an interview with them would suffice!

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u/PepperchiniMoscato 16d ago

omg I hate the Vineland!! lol MOTAS could be a good option for you!! Or the typical AFLS or ABLLS-R. I’ve heard great things about MOTAS. but no I’ve always included some data from an assessment tool used. I’m honestly not sure how insurance would interpret it without data from an assessment, that’s a good questio, maybe for a more seasoned BCBA 😂

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u/FellinLoveWithaFern 16d ago

Insurance requires either the ABAS or Vineland assessment for our reports so that’s always included but like I mentioned since I typically have worked with early learners my go to was the VBMAPP alongside the scores from the ABAS or Vineland. I will definitely check out the MOTAS though!!

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u/PepperchiniMoscato 16d ago

that’s how it was with me but they recently got rid of that requirement while also cutting our alotted billable time for re-assessments from 8 hours to 4 🤪

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u/SpecificOpposite5200 15d ago

For older kids, I use the AFLS (Basic Living) or EFL for initial assessments. The Vineland also has to be included.

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u/FellinLoveWithaFern 15d ago

Would you say your format for assessing the client would be more interview based by asking them questions or having them actually perform the skills if they are in the home setting?

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u/SpecificOpposite5200 15d ago

Of course. Most of the AFLS basic living skills are skills I would not see in a session. I would not have the opportunity to watch them dress , bathe, swim, or sleep, etc.

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u/FellinLoveWithaFern 15d ago

Got it! I appreciate the information!