What Is Adaptive Behavioral Assessment?

Before an issue can be treated, it must first be correctly assessed and diagnosed. The same is true for behaviors and activities of daily living. For years, professionals have struggled to quantify these functions enough to fairly measure them, but advances in the understanding of common behavioral expectations has led to the development of the Adaptive Behavioral Assessment.

What is Adaptive Behavioral Assessment?

The Adaptive Behavioral Assessment, Third Edition –– often shortened to ABAS-3 –– is an evaluation tool used to analyze a person’s functionality throughout their lifespan, which is qualified as birth to 89 years of age. It was developed by clinical researchers Patti Harrison, Ph.D., and Thomas Oakland, Ph.D. WPS Webinars dive into the specifics of ABAS-3 and is suggested for those interested in the product.

What Does ABAS-3 Assess?

ABAS-3 assesses adaptive behaviors by looking at an individual’s activities of daily living. This includes basic life skills such as brushing one’s teeth, walking to and from the mailbox, and cooking one’s own meals. ABAS-3 measures whether or not a person is able to do these things without personal or professional help.

To learn more about what these skills are, as well as what they measure, turn to the Adaptive Behavior Assessment webinar database, which answers questions for both professionals and potential patients.

What Type of Professionals Use ABAS-3?

In order to purchase and use this method of assessment, one must hold a master’s degree in a field that specializes in behavioral analysis. This includes professionals such as psychologists, mental or physical therapists, educators, and more.

Even qualified professionals, however, must undergo special training to learn more about how to complete and interpret the assessment accurately. It’s also useful that they purchase, along with the ABAS-3 itself, its companionate products that guide professionals through assessments. ABAS-3 offers a Comprehensive Kit that includes these guiding manuals.

How Is an ABAS-3 Score Interpreted?

The assessment closely observes myriad categories of skills across each unique behavioral field. Usually, the score is compared to that of past tests and patients in the same age group, but it is often converted into a percentage to see where the score truly ranks along the sliding scale that ranges from “extremely low” to “high.”

Does the ABAS-3 Convey Scientific Information?

Many individuals question the validity of behavioral assessments of any type, and the ABAS-3 is no exception. Its developers, however, stress that its three different methods of measuring scores ensure greater product reliability. Results are reproducible and cross-referenced, increasing the scientific, quantitative value of ABAS-3. Research sample groups usually contain roughly 4,500 people of varying races, ethnicities, genders, education statuses, and more.

Additionally, the assessment has repeatedly proven to be an effective way to parse out the difference between common behavioral disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities or limitations, and mental or emotional disorders such as ADHD.

For those looking for a measurable way to assess a patient with observable behavioral limitations, the ABAS-3 is a groundbreaking development. Its ease of access –– supported primarily by the fact that ABAS-3 is digitally accessible –– also increases its usability and value to mental and physical health professionals and, more importantly, for those struggling with normal activities of day-to-day life.

See how the ABAS-3 can help those with challenges in their daily living skills through both assessment and intervention – visit WPS to learn more.