INITIAL ASSESSMENT
An ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) initial assessment usually consists of the following components:
1. An intake interview: This is typically a conversation between the ABA therapist and the parents or caregivers of the child. This interview gathers information about the child's medical history, developmental milestones, behaviors, and overall functioning.
2. Direct observation: The ABA therapist may spend time with the child to observe their behavior in different settings and situations. These observations help the therapist to identify strengths and weaknesses as well as specific behavioral targets.
3. Standardized assessments: The therapist may administer standardized assessments to measure the child's cognitive, adaptive, and social abilities. These assessments can help in setting developmentally appropriate goals for the child.
4. Functional assessment: The therapist may conduct a functional analysis of the child's behavior. This involves identifying the triggers and maintaining factors of the problem behavior to develop an individualized behavior intervention plan.
5. Report: After collecting all of the information, the ABA therapist will create a report that summarizes their findings and recommendations for treatment.
Overall, an ABA initial assessment helps to determine the child's current level of functioning, identify target behaviors, and develop a personalized plan for treatment.