RBT Study Guide Unit B: Assessment
Understanding the role of assessment in ABA therapy - from preference assessments to functional behavior analysis.
What Is Assessment in ABA?
In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), assessment means gathering detailed information about an individual's behavior, environment, and learning patterns. It helps RBTs and BCBAs design effective and individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
Assessment is not just about identifying challenges — it's about discovering strengths, motivations, and opportunities for growth.
Why Assessment Matters in ABA
Identify strengths & needs
Understand what the learner can do and what requires support
Develop therapy goals
Create measurable and realistic targets
Choose reinforcers
Find what motivates the learner best
Monitor progress
Track behavioral and skill improvements over time
📊 The ABA Assessment Cycle
Observe Behavior
Conduct Assessment
Develop BIP/Plan
Implement & Review
Section 1: Conduct Preference Assessments
Purpose: To identify what items, activities, or stimuli a learner prefers — these may act as reinforcers in ABA programs.
Note: A "preferred" item isn't always a reinforcer — it must be tested to confirm if it actually strengthens behavior.
Types of Preference Assessments
Indirect Assessment
Method: Interviews or questionnaires with caregivers
Example: Asking parents about child's favorite games or snacks
Free Operant Assessment
Method: Observe what items learner naturally interacts with
Example: Placing toys in room and noting which are chosen most
Single Stimulus
Method: Present one item at a time
Example: Showing one toy and recording child's reaction
Paired Stimulus (Forced Choice)
Method: Present two items and see which is preferred
Example: Choosing between a ball and a puzzle
Multiple Stimulus With Replacement (MSW)
Method: Show multiple items, replace chosen item each round
Example: Presenting 5 items, replacing selected one with another
Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement (MSWO)
Method: Present multiple items, remove chosen item after selection
Example: Helps rank preferences by popularity
Example Preference Assessment Results
| ITEM | TIMES CHOSEN (10 TRIALS) | PREFERENCE RANK |
|---|---|---|
| Toy Car | 8 | ⭐ 1st |
| Puzzle | 5 | 2nd |
| Coloring Book | 3 | 3rd |
| Blocks | 2 | 4th |
| Stuffed Toy | 1 | 5th |
Section 2: Assist With Individualized Assessment Procedures
RBTs help BCBAs in collecting data and observing responses during individualized assessments — which measure skills, not diagnoses. These assessments guide therapy planning by identifying skill gaps and developmental milestones.
Common ABA Assessment Tools
VB-MAPP
Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment & Placement Program
Purpose: Evaluates language and social skills in children with autism
Focus Areas: Communication, socialization, and daily functioning
ABLLS-R
Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised
Purpose: Measures basic learning and adaptive skills
Focus Areas: Language, social, academic, and self-help
AFLS
Assessment of Functional Living Skills
Purpose: Assesses real-life daily living abilities
Focus Areas: Self-care, home, community, and work skills
📊 Example Skill Progress Chart (VB-MAPP)
Section 3: Assist With Functional Assessment Procedures (FBA)
Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) aim to identify the function behind challenging behaviors — i.e., why a person behaves in a certain way. RBTs help collect accurate behavioral data through observation and recording under BCBA supervision.
Types of Functional Assessment Methods
| TYPE | DESCRIPTION | PURPOSE |
|---|---|---|
| Indirect Assessment | Collect information through interviews, checklists, and rating scales | Gather insights from caregivers and teachers |
| Direct Assessment | Observe and record actual behaviors in real-time | Identify patterns (triggers and consequences) |
| Functional Analysis (FA) | Systematically manipulate conditions to test hypotheses about behavior function | Confirm the reason for behavior (attention, escape, access, sensory) |
Common Functions of Behavior
💡 Interpretation
Most behaviors serve the function of gaining attention (45%) or escaping tasks (30%). Understanding these functions helps create targeted interventions.
Key Takeaways for RBT Unit B
🔄 RBT Assessment Framework Overview
Preference Assessments
Skill-Based Assessments
Functional Behavior Assessments
Intervention Plan
Test Your Assessment Knowledge
Practice assessment concepts with targeted quiz questions and reinforce your understanding.