Your Child's ABA Therapy Assessment: What to Expect During and After

Every child grows and learns differently, and there’s no perfect or exact way to track a child’s progress. The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) was created with that in mind. It offers a structured yet flexible way to see what skills a child already has and what they’re ready to learn next. This article walks you through what to expect during your child’s VB-MAPP assessment and shares a few simple tips to make it a positive experience for all involved.

What is the VB-MAPP in ABA Therapy Assessment?

The VB-MAPP is a developmental assessment tool that behavior analysts use to measure language, learning, and social skills in children with autism or developmental delays.

While the VB-MAPP helps identify behavioral challenges and learning barriers, a full Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) may still be needed for specific problem behaviors that need in-depth analysis and intervention planning. 

The VB-MAPP can help guide individualized education plans (IEPs) and track a child’s development over time.

The assessment is divided into three levels based on typical developmental age ranges:

• Level 1 (0–18 months)

• Level 2 (18–30 months)

• Level 3 (30–48 months)

Each level covers specific skill areas, known as “repertoires”, such as Mand (requests), Tact (labels), Listener (following directions), and more.

By incorporating play-based activities into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, the child is guided through the assessment in a gentle and engaging manner, allowing them to demonstrate their skills in a natural and comfortable environment. Then, professionals can track progress with a series of ABA therapy assessments.

At BehaviorSpan, we conduct a complete VB-MAPP evaluation every six months for each learner. This schedule allows our team and your family to clearly track growth and adjust therapy goals, focusing on specific behaviors that need extra support.

There are two other options for ASD assessment:

1. Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS-R)

2. Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS).

These tools are used depending on a child’s age, skill level, and therapy goals. For example, the ABLLS-R is often selected for learners with more advanced verbal skills or older children, while the AFLS is used to assess functional, everyday life skills such as hygiene, money use, and self-management.

The Structure of the VB-MAPP Milestones Assessment

The Milestones Assessment is the first phase, used to identify which skills your child already possesses.

Here’s how the scoring system works:

• 1 point: The skill is mastered independently every time.

• 0.5 points: The skill is emerging but not fully mastered.

• 0 points: The skill has not yet been demonstrated.

Because a skill can be assessed in different ways, assessment codes are used to help clarify how data is collected. For example, some repertoires can only be observed, such as social interactions, while others can be tested in a more direct manner. 

These codes include:

• T = Test directly

• O = Observe naturally

• E = Either test or observe

• TO = Timed observation

The scores are plotted on a grid to highlight areas of strength and those that need support. These results will help shape the treatment plan and intervention strategies implemented to meet the child’s needs. 

Levels and Skill Areas (Repertoires)

The VB-MAPP assesses a wide range of skills to better understand how your child learns and communicates. These repertoires represent key areas developed in ABA therapy. 

The goal is to help the child progress through each level and build the daily living skills needed for independence.

The assessment has three levels:

Level 1 

This first level focuses on foundational skills like imitation and communication skills:

• Mand (requests) - Asking for something they need or want, such as a toy, snack, or hug

• Tact (labeling) - Pointing out an object in their environment and naming it

• Listener – Following directions 

• VPMTS (Visual Perceptual / Match to Sample) – Matching items, shapes, or pictures

• Play – Exploration, imagination in play, fine motor skills

• Social – Awareness and interaction with others

• Imitation – Copying others’ actions or behaviors

• Echoic – Repeating words or sounds spoken by others

• Vocal – Using vocalization to communicate

Level 2 

The second level expands to include socialization:

• Listener Responding by Function, Feature, and Class (LRFFC) – Identifying items by function (a spoon is for eating) or category (Is it a toy, animal, or food?)

• Intraverbal – Answering questions or participating in a conversation.

• Group Assessment – Engaging in routines or group settings

• Linguistics – Improving speech clarity, vocabulary, and sentence use

Level 3 

The last level focuses on academic skills for school readiness:

• Reading – Recognizing letters, words, and showing interest in books

• Writing – Forming or copying letters and numbers

• Math – Counting, recognizing quantities, and measuring

Levels 2 and 3 focus on skills typically expected of a four-year-old child.

Barriers Assessment

The VB-MAPP doesn’t just measure the skills your child already has; it helps to identify barriers that may be hindering their progress. 

The barriers assessment evaluates 24 common obstacles. These include things such as additional prompting, behavioral challenges, or a lack of motivation.

Each barrier is rated on a scale from 0 (no barrier) to 4 (significant barrier). 

These assessments help BCBAs understand the child’s specific needs and develop a personalized plan with targeted strategies that can overcome these challenges early on.

Avoiding “Splinter Skills”

Children often develop certain skills faster than others, but if we build on strengths without addressing foundational gaps, it can lead to the development of splinter skills.

A splinter skill is where a child is far advanced in one skill but severely lacking in a fundamental and foundational skill. The VB-MAPP is an excellent tool for identifying areas that require further improvement. 

For example, a child may excel at building with blocks or matching pictures, but still struggle to ask for things they need. 

The VB-MAPP helps us identify these gaps early, ensuring a balanced foundation for growth. 

What Happens Before the Assessment

The VB-MAPP assessment isn’t just a quick test. It’s a thoughtful process designed to help your child’s therapy team understand their current abilities and develop a plan for the next steps.

At BehaviorSpan, this preparation phase is key, and our team follows a structured process leading up to every assessment. Here’s what it includes:

Scheduling

BehaviorSpan conducts VB-MAPP assessments every six months. We will be in touch with you to schedule your child’s next appointment. 

Therapist Preparation

Your child’s BCBA will review their previous review (if applicable) and therapy notes. For first-time assessments, we will likely ask you to complete a questionnaire to help us determine your child’s baseline skills and therapy goals.

No special prep is needed from the child. This is a natural observation of their current abilities. The goal is to understand what drives your child’s behavior, not to test performance.

What to Expect During the Assessment

Although the word “assessment” might sound formal, the actual process is designed to feel natural and fun for your child. 

In most cases, a familiar face will conduct the VB-MAPP one-on-one with the child, either a board-certified behavior analyst or a trained therapist. The assessment is done in a familiar setting — at home, at the clinic, or in school.

There are no right or wrong answers for this assessment. It is play-based and interactive, seeking clues to adjust therapy plans and encourage positive behavioral changes. 

Examples of play-based activities might include:

• Asking your child to request a toy or snack

• Naming objects

• Following a simple direction like “touch your nose”

These sessions are kept short with plenty of breaks to help the child stay relaxed and engaged. The goal is to get an accurate assessment, not rush through it. 

What Happens After the Assessment

Once the assessment is complete, the therapy team dives into planning the next phase of your child’s therapy.

Scoring and Analysis

Using the point scoring system, results are compiled, visually graphed, and compared with previous assessments.

This visual summary makes it easier for both therapists and parents to identify growth and areas for improvement.

Progress Review

Based on the unique needs of your child, the BCBA will highlight areas for potential growth and identify skills your child is still developing. 

Therapy goals are adjusted to meet these needs. 

Parent Meeting

As the parent, it's very important that you understand the results of your child’s assessment. That’s why we’ll meet with you to go over the results, what they mean, and the behavior plan we’re recommending. 

We’ll also explain why we think those goals are the right fit for your child over the next few months. You’ll have time to review everything, ask for clarification, and let us know what feels right (or not) for your family. You know your child best, so your input shapes every part of the plan. Our role is to guide and support you through the process.

We always welcome questions, so bring anything you’re curious about to the meeting. We want you to feel comfortable, confident, and included in every step of the process.

Documentation

These assessments will provide a consistent record of your child’s development over time. This will help map out a complete therapy plan for the years ahead. 

How to Prepare for Your Child’s VB-MAPP

While much of the preparation falls to your BCBA and therapy team, there are some steps you can take as a parent to prepare for this process. 

Review Previous Goals and Reports

Refresh your memory on your child’s last assessment summary or session notes. If this is your first time, revisit what led you to seek support and any goals discussed.

If your child has recently received an autism diagnosis, review what led you to seek medical support. 

Remind yourself of the goals your therapy team has been working toward before the assessment. 

Having these things fresh in your mind helps you share relevant information about any new skills or struggles your child has developed. 

Observe and Record New Skills

In the days leading up to the assessment, jot down any new behaviors or milestones you’ve noticed at home.

For example, if your child is using new words, following new routines, practicing self-help skills, initiating play, or asking for things independently.

These at-home observations provide your BCBA with valuable insights that might otherwise be missed.

Communicate Changes or Concerns

Have there been any recent changes in your child’s health, sleep, medication, or behavior patterns? Be sure to let the therapist know before the assessment begins — even small shifts, like a new preschool schedule, can affect how your child responds.

Clear, honest communication helps the BCBA understand the “why” behind your child’s behaviors and build the right support plan.

Support a Positive Emotional State

Make sure your child is well-rested, well-fed, and calm. Try to keep the assessment day as calm and predictable as possible.

Encourage Natural Learning — Not Practice

There’s no need to coach your child for the VB-MAPP, as it's meant to measure what your child can already do. Keep play and learning light and fun in the days before the assessment

You can talk to your child about what’s coming, but avoid adding pressure.

Prepare for the Setting

Whether at home, in-clinic, or at school, ensure the environment is distraction-free. Have snacks or reinforcers ready. You may be asked to stay nearby or step out briefly — either way, your role is to support your child’s comfort.

Plan for Your Role as the Parent

You may be invited to stay and observe or to step out during certain parts of the assessment.

Be prepared to support your child’s comfort, but let the therapist lead. Their goal is to see how your child responds independently.

As a parent, you know your child best. Your input is always appreciated. If you notice something during the assessment that you believe is worth discussing, share it during the parent meeting. 

Discover whether ABA therapy is right for your toddler.

The goal of every VB-MAPP assessment is to refine your child’s therapy services to nurture their growth. The process enables the therapist to understand how your child learns and what will best support their growth and development. 

That’s why, at BehaviorSpan, we believe the effort and planning required to conduct these assessments every six months is well worth it.

Contact BehaviorSpan, where your child’s progress is the top priority or call 720-206-9644.

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