VB-MAPP ASsessment

The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-Mapp; Sundberg, 2008).  The VB-Mapp is an assessment tool that is designed for individuals with developmental and language delays. The assessment is made up of three main components: Milestones Assessment, Barriers Assessment, and Transitions Assessment. 

The Milestones assessment is designed to provide a representation of a student’s verbal, social, play, and related skills, which are sequenced according to typical development and are separated into three levels (i.e., birth-18 months, 18-30 months, and 30-48 months). 

The Barriers Assessment provides an assessment of 24 common learning and language acquisition barriers present in children with developmental disabilities. 

The Transition Assessment is a tool that can help assess if a student has the necessary skills for learning in a less restrictive educational environment (mainstream school). The Transition Assessment is only completed, when necessary. 

The assessment is either conducted by a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), or the Qualified Assistant Supervisor under the supervision of a BCBA. In general, the assessment will be conducted by the qualified assistant supervisor unless the parents specifically request that the BCBAs do the assessment. Please note that in the case that families request the BCBAs, the assessment appointment will be subject to the BCBAs availability.

We like to ensure that the student is comfortable with the assessor, so the beginning part of the assessment involves the assessor playing with the student and the assessor trying to develop a relationship with the student so that the child is comfortable. The duration of the assessment depends on several factors that include presence of behavior problems, level of compliance, effectiveness of reinforcers, and number of skills a student has (i.e. few or many skills). The assessment takes between 2 to 6 hours.

Once the assessment is completed, you will be provided with a thorough assessment report that includes your child’s current requesting, receptive, expressive, matching skills, and play skills levels. You will also be given a scoring form that will give you a visual of your child’s current skills. A meeting will be set up with your family to go over the assessment results and possible future goals.