The How to ABA Podcast

Choosing the Right Assessment: Practical Tips for BCBAs


Listen Later

Assessments are essential in ABA, but are we always using them the right way? Too often, assessments become a box-checking exercise rather than a true guide to meaningful intervention. In this conversation, we revisit the foundations of ABA assessments and explore how to move beyond simply filling in grids and scoring sheets.

We look at some of the most widely used tools, including the ABLLS, VB-MAPP, and Early Start Denver Model, and share how to choose the right one for your learner. You’ll learn why assessments are not the same as curriculum, and how mistaking one for the other can lead to cookie-cutter programs that miss individual needs. Instead, we highlight how assessments should serve as a starting point, giving you a baseline to individualize treatment goals and track progress over time.

You’ll also hear updates on newer tools like the MOTAS (Meaningful Outcomes Treatment and Assessment Scale) and the IGL (Inventory of Good Learner Repertoires), which can help bridge the gap between assessment data and real-world functional progress.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make assessments feel less overwhelming and more impactful, this episode will give you practical strategies and a fresh perspective.

What’s Inside:

  • Why assessments are not curriculum
  • Choosing the right tool for the right learner
  • Updates on MOTAS and IGL for functional outcomes
  • Tips for making assessments efficient and individualized

Mentioned In This Episode:
Check out our blog on assessments

Measuring What Matters: Meaningful Outcomes with the MOTAS Assessment CEU Event

HowToABA.com/join

How to ABA on YouTube

Find us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram 

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The How to ABA PodcastBy Shira Karpel & Shayna Gaunt

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

53 ratings


More shows like The How to ABA Podcast

View all
Organize 365 Podcast by Lisa Woodruff

Organize 365 Podcast

1,310 Listeners

ABA Inside Track by ABA Inside Track

ABA Inside Track

628 Listeners

The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

The Lazy Genius Podcast

6,618 Listeners

Neurodiversity Podcast by Emily Kircher-Morris

Neurodiversity Podcast

419 Listeners

All Things Sensory by Harkla by Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC & Jessica Hill, COTA/L

All Things Sensory by Harkla

441 Listeners

Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, Motherhood by Cloud10

Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, Motherhood

999 Listeners

ABA on Call by CentralReach

ABA on Call

28 Listeners

Behavior Bitches by Study Notes ABA, LLC

Behavior Bitches

1,320 Listeners

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST by Holly Blanc Moses

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

638 Listeners

Uniquely Human: The Podcast by ART19    Uniquely Human

Uniquely Human: The Podcast

417 Listeners

Declutter Your Chaos - Minimalism, Decluttering, Home Organization by Amber Cammidge, Decluttering Coach

Declutter Your Chaos - Minimalism, Decluttering, Home Organization

348 Listeners

The Autism Little Learners Podcast by Tara Phillips

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

119 Listeners

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals by Audra Jensen, Caitlin Beltran, Sami Brown

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

30 Listeners

Behavior Hour by Erin Cady and Magali Torres

Behavior Hour

71 Listeners

Safe Space - The ABA Podcast by To the Moon PLLC

Safe Space - The ABA Podcast

12 Listeners