Comprehensive Assessment in West Jordan, Utah
Every effective treatment plan starts with understanding. Our thorough assessments identify your child's unique strengths, challenges, and learning style to create a roadmap for meaningful progress.
Why a Comprehensive Assessment Matters
ABA therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Every child on the autism spectrum has a unique profile of strengths, challenges, interests, and needs. A comprehensive assessment is the foundation upon which effective, individualized treatment is built.
Without a thorough evaluation, treatment becomes guesswork. Goals may not address the most important skill deficits. Strategies may not match your child's learning style. Progress may be slower than it should be.
Our assessment process is designed to give us a complete picture of your child. We combine information from multiple sources: your expertise as a parent, our direct observations, and data from validated assessment tools. This comprehensive approach ensures that the treatment plan we create is truly tailored to your child.
What Our Assessment Includes
Parent and Caregiver Interviews
We start by listening to you. Your observations and concerns provide critical context that guides everything else. We ask about developmental history, current challenges, strengths, and what success looks like for your family.
Direct Observation
Our BCBA spends time observing your child in natural settings. We watch how they play, communicate, interact with others, and respond to everyday demands. This gives us a real picture of their abilities and challenges.
Standardized Skill Assessments
We use validated assessment tools to measure skills across domains: communication, social skills, adaptive behavior, play, motor skills, and academics. These tools provide objective data and help us identify specific targets for intervention.
Functional Behavior Assessment
If challenging behaviors are a concern, we conduct a functional behavior assessment to understand why they occur. Knowing the function of a behavior is essential for developing effective intervention strategies.
Evidence-Based Assessment Instruments
We use validated, peer-reviewed assessment tools recognized in the field of ABA.
Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program
Evaluates language and social skills based on developmental milestones. Particularly useful for children with limited verbal communication.
Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills, Revised
Comprehensive curriculum-based assessment covering language, academic skills, self-help, motor skills, and more.
Assessment of Functional Living Skills
Focuses on practical skills needed for independence: home skills, community participation, vocational abilities, and independent living.
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition
Standardized measure of adaptive behavior across communication, daily living skills, socialization, and motor skills.
From First Call to Starting Services
Schedule Assessment
Contact us to schedule. We will verify insurance benefits and gather initial information about your child.
Initial Interview
BCBA conducts parent interview to understand history, concerns, and goals. This may be in person or via telehealth.
Direct Assessment
BCBA observes your child and administers standardized assessments. This typically takes 4-8 hours over multiple sessions.
Analysis and Report
BCBA analyzes all data and prepares a comprehensive written report with findings and recommendations.
Review Meeting
We meet with you to review results, explain recommendations, and discuss the proposed treatment plan.
Begin Services
Once the plan is approved by insurance, therapy begins with a team matched to your child's needs and your family's schedule.
What You Will Receive
At the end of the assessment process, you will have a complete understanding of your child's current abilities and a clear path forward.
- Comprehensive written report with detailed findings
- Summary of skill levels across all assessed domains
- Identification of priority areas for intervention
- Specific, measurable treatment goals
- Recommended service hours and settings
- Strategies tailored to your child's learning style
- Documentation for insurance authorization
Your Review Meeting
We do not just hand you a report and send you on your way. After completing the assessment, we schedule a dedicated meeting to walk through everything with you.
During this meeting, your BCBA will explain what we found, what it means, and why we are recommending specific goals and approaches. We answer your questions, address your concerns, and make sure you feel confident about the plan.
This is a collaborative process. Your input matters. If certain goals are especially important to your family, we incorporate that. If something does not feel right, we discuss it and adjust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need a diagnosis before an ABA assessment?
Most insurance plans require a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder before covering ABA services. If your child does not yet have a diagnosis, we can help connect you with qualified diagnosticians. Our assessment focuses on treatment planning, not diagnosis, but the two often happen in parallel.
How long does the assessment take?
The direct assessment with your child typically takes 4-8 hours spread across multiple sessions. The complete process from initial contact to receiving a treatment plan usually takes 3-4 weeks, depending on scheduling availability.
Where does the assessment happen?
Assessments can be conducted at our clinic, in your home, or a combination of both. Home observations are especially valuable for understanding your child's behavior in their natural environment.
What happens after the assessment?
You will receive a detailed written report summarizing findings and recommending specific treatment goals and service hours. We submit this to your insurance for authorization. Once approved, we match your child with a therapy team and begin services.
Will insurance cover the assessment?
Most major insurance plans cover ABA assessments for children with autism. We verify your benefits before scheduling and handle all insurance communication. You will know your expected costs upfront.
Start With a Complete Picture
A thorough assessment is the first step toward meaningful progress. Contact us to schedule your child's evaluation.
Schedule an Assessment