Skill Assessments

Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP)

Created by Mark L. Sundberg, the VB-MAPP is a criterion-referenced assessment tool, curriculum guide, and skill tracking system that is designed for children with an autism diagnosis, and individuals who demonstrate language delays. This assessment is based on B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior, established developmental milestones, and research from the field of behavior analysis.

PEAK Relational Training System

Created by Dr. Mark Dixon, the PEAK Relational Training System is an evaluation and curriculum guide for teaching basic and advanced language skills from a contemporary behavior analytic approach. While traditional VB focuses on direct instruction and stimulus generalization (the process of learning to respond to similar stimuli as those that were taught), the PEAK system takes language learning a step further and includes prerequisite training for learning that allows for derived responding. PEAK helps children “learn how to learn”. PEAK contains 4 separate learning modules to address 4 individual dimensions of language.

The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills Revised (ABLLS-R)

Developed by Dr. Partington, the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – Revised (The ABLLS-R®), is an assessment tool, curriculum guide, and skills-tracking system used to help guide the instruction of language and critical learner skills for children with autism or other developmental disabilities. This practical and parent-friendly tool facilitates the identification of skills needed by the child to effectively communicate and learn from everyday experiences.

Essential For Living (EFL)

Developed by Dr. Pat McGreevy, The Essential For Living is an evidence-based, communication, behavior, and functional skills assessment, curriculum, and skill-tracking instrument for children and adults with moderate-to-severe disabilities. The EFL is based on the principles and procedures of ABA and Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. The EFL focuses on functional life skills and offers a wide scope that allows for the identification and remediation of problem behavior. The EFL provides a guide to development of meaningful goals and objectives for individual education plans, behavior plans, and instructional programs.