Developmental Behavioral Assessments and Autism Evaluations
Our behavioral assessments provide valuable insights to develop effective, individualized treatment plans.
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Decoding Your Child’s Behavior.
Through observation and interviews, we thoroughly identify behaviors which are positive and negative, and the situations in which they occur. Once the behavior has been identified and recorded, it is essential that factors which may be reinforcing and maintaining the behavior are then identified. We believe in spending ample time one-on-one with the child to observe them and find where their behavioral motivation lies. No amount of treatment will work if you don’t know which key to use to make the development program fit for that specific child.
A Developmental Assessment Can Help You Find Answers and Solutions
A developmental behavioral assessment takes measure of your child’s current strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their behavioral, emotional, and developmental health.
There are multiple tools and developmental behavioral assessment methods that our supervisors use to measure skills and responses. These include:
1
Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS)
Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) measures capabilities in six of the following areas: basic living skills, home skills and community participation skills, school skills, independent living skills, and vocational skills.
2
Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS)
Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) is an evaluation used as a curriculum guide and skills tracking system for children with language delays and learning gaps. It also assists in developing objectives and goals.
3
VB MAPP
VB MAPP is a skill tracking system that is designed for individuals who experience language delays. The results of the assessment help to establish goals and objectives to advance verbal skills.
4
ABA-Based Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)
ABA-Based Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) is an intervention method based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). It is a highly structured method of teaching skills by breaking them down into smaller, teachable components.
A Unique Approach With Unique Results.
We Happily Treat Patients Who Have Been Disappointed With Other Behavioral Treatment Centers.
Many people have read, or even experienced, so-called behavioral treatment that seemed restrictive, boring, non-productive, or even punitive. This will not be the case at Scottsdale Pediatric Behavioral Services.
Our team’s approach to behavioral therapy is interactive and fast-paced, tapping into the child’s natural interests. The therapeutic treatment itself is enjoyable. Not only that, but, as dysfunctional behavior patterns are changed, the positive feedback received is a powerful force motivating both child and parent to continue following the path toward comfort and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every child grows and learns at their own pace. If you notice your child struggling with communication, learning, behavior or social skills or falling behind on expected milestones, it might be time for an assessment. Many families have evaluations around 18 months or 3 years but it is always okay to reach out whenever you have concerns.
Finding challenges early gives children the chance to get support before small difficulties become bigger obstacles. Assessments look at behavioral, emotional and developmental skills to create strategies that strengthen communication, social interaction and learning.
Alice Kau, Ph.D., from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, notes, “Given that the typical autism diagnosis occurs at age 4, it also offers the possibility of detecting autism much earlier during regular doctor’s visits when a child is 18 months or 2 years old. Earlier intervention has been shown to improve outcomes for children with autism.”
These assessments can help identify a range of conditions including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using tools such as ADOS-2
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Learning or intellectual differences like dyslexia or dysgraphia
- Motor coordination or speech delays
- Social-emotional or behavioral challenges
Knowing these areas helps us create support plans tailored to each child and work closely with schools or other specialists when needed.
The assessment begins with a review of your child’s developmental, educational and medical history. Through observation, caregiver interviews and standardized tests we evaluate your child’s skills and behaviors using tools such as:
- AFLS (Assessment of Functional Living Skills)
- ABLLS-R (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised)
- VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program)
- ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
After the assessment, we meet with you to explain the results in clear practical terms. We also outline next steps such as therapy goals, home strategies or school-based recommendations to support your child.
Assessment results give insight that can make school and learning easier. They can help determine eligibility for special education programs, guide classroom supports and shape strategies that work both at school and at home. The goal is to match your child’s learning environment to their strengths and needs so they can grow and succeed now and in the future.
