Assessing Skill Strengths in Individuals with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities: Practical Considerations for Behavior Analysts

Abstract

The BCBA Task List (5 th and 6 th Edition) requires behavior analysts are familiar with multiple assessment methods, including tools to assess the function of problem behaviors and assess skill strengths and deficits. Although several studies exist on the assessment of functions using indirect functional assessments, descriptive functional assessments, and functional analyses, there is no comprehensive review and/or description of skill-based assessments used by behavior analysts. Based on literature and clinical practice, the current paper describes several skill-based assessments, including key features of the assessment, reliability and validity, and consideration for behavior analysts in their practice. Implications for practice and research are discussed.