The VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) is an assessment tool and curriculum guide designed for children with autism and other developmental disabilities who are receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. The assessment consists of various tasks and activities designed to evaluate a child's language, social, and cognitive abilities, and provide a comprehensive evaluation of their strengths and areas of need.
Clients who may benefit from the VB-MAPP when receiving ABA therapy include:
- Children with autism: The VB-MAPP is specifically designed for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. It provides a systematic approach to evaluate language and communication skills, which are often a significant area of challenge for children with autism.
- Children with delayed language development: The VB-MAPP can be used to assess and evaluate the language and communication skills of children who are experiencing delays in their language development.
- Children who have difficulty with social skills: The VB-MAPP includes assessments that evaluate a child's ability to engage in social interactions and develop appropriate social skills, which can be particularly useful for children with autism.
- Children who are receiving ABA therapy: The VB-MAPP is often used in conjunction with ABA therapy, as it can provide a roadmap for therapists to design individualized treatment plans and track progress over time.
The VBMAPP includes the following assessments:
- Milestones Assessment: This component assesses a child's abilities in 170 different language and social milestones. The milestones are organized into three developmental levels: Level 1 targets early language and social skills, Level 2 targets intermediate language and social skills, and Level 3 targets advanced language and social skills.
- Barriers Assessment: This component identifies any barriers that may be preventing the child from acquiring language and social skills. The barriers are organized into 16 categories, including motivation, attention, and comprehension.
- Transition Assessment: This component assesses a child's readiness for more advanced language and social skills. It includes assessments in six areas: manding (requesting), tacting (labeling), intraverbal (conversation), listener responding (following directions), visual performance (matching and sorting), and independent play.
Within each component, the VB-MAPP breaks down the developmental domains into specific skills and subskills that are essential for language and social development. For example, in the Milestones Assessment, the Level 1 targets include skills such as responding to name, making eye contact, and imitating actions. The Level 2 targets include skills such as following one-step instructions, asking for help, and using pronouns correctly. The Level 3 targets include skills such as telling stories, understanding abstract concepts, and having conversations.
The age at which children should transition away from the VB-MAPP can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the child's individual needs, developmental level, and progress in therapy. As children progress in therapy and develop language and communication skills, they may transition to other assessments or curriculum guides that are more appropriate for their age and developmental level. For example, the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) or the Essential for Living (EFL) may be appropriate for older children who have advanced beyond the VB-MAPP. If a child requires assistance with self-care, daily living skills, social interaction outside of clinic or schools settings, or requires desensitization programming to reduce overstimulation, the ABLLS and EFL assessments can be beneficial.
It's important to note that the decision to transition away from the VB-MAPP should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual needs and progress of the child. The child's therapist, in collaboration with the child's parents or caregivers, should regularly evaluate their progress and determine if it is appropriate to continue using the VB-MAPP or transition to another assessment tool or curriculum guide.
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References
Sundberg, M.L. (2008) VB-MAPP Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program: A Language and Social Skills Assessment Program for Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities. Guide, AVB Press.