What Types of Assessments Are Most Appropriate for Students with Different Disabilities?

Diagnostic evaluations encompass a more thorough assessment process utilizing multiple tools to ensure an accurate and reliable diagnosis. During diagnostic evaluations, diagnosticians use assessment tools like the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). The results of these assessments inform the diagnostician of whether the child meets the diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorder.  

Behavior analysts, psychologists, and other qualified professionals conduct FBAs to identify the function of a student’s interfering behaviors. FBAs include various indirect tools, including interviews, checklists, and rating scales. They also include direct methods, such as direct observation and ABC data collection. FBAs are a vital prerequisite for developing an individualized Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) to address the student’s behavioral needs.

Assessments such as the Woodcock-Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities measure students’ intellectual abilities. These assessments evaluate cognitive functioning in memory, attention, problem-solving, and reasoning. Cognitive assessments can be beneficial for identifying learning disabilities and helping educators better understand their students' learning profiles. However, they have many limitations for use with children with autism. One major barrier is that autistic students' social, communication, sensory, and behavior challenges often make it difficult to administer cognitive assessments.

Educators and behavior analysts conduct adaptive behavior assessments to measure students’ functional skills in domains such as communication, social skills, self-advocacy, and vocation. The Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) and Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS-R) are two common adaptive behavior assessments for assessing a wide range of skills. These assessments help educators better understand their student's needs beyond academics.