Conducting Assessments as an RBT

As an RBT, you’ll play a crucial role in assisting with various assessment procedures. While BCBAs are responsible for selecting, designing, and interpreting assessments, RBTs often help with preparation, implementation, and data collection. This guide provides practical information on how to effectively conduct assessments in your role as an RBT.

Preparation for Assessment

Thorough preparation is essential for successful assessment. Before beginning any assessment procedure, ensure you:

Review Assessment Procedures

Study protocols: Familiarize yourself with specific assessment procedures
Understand administration: Know how to present materials and record responses
Review scoring criteria: Understand what constitutes correct/incorrect responses
Clarify questions: Ask your supervising BCBA about any unclear aspects
Practice if possible: Role-play assessment procedures with colleagues

Gather Materials

Assessment forms: Ensure you have all necessary data sheets and protocols
Stimuli/materials: Gather all items needed for assessment tasks
Reinforcers: Prepare potential reinforcers to maintain motivation
Technology: Set up any required devices (timers, video equipment, etc.)
Backup materials: Have extras available in case of damage or loss

Arrange Environment

Minimize distractions: Choose a quiet, well-lit space with limited visual distractions
Appropriate seating: Ensure comfortable seating at the right height
Materials organization: Arrange materials in order of presentation
Data collection setup: Position data sheets for easy recording
Temperature/lighting: Ensure comfortable environmental conditions

Establish Rapport

Build relationship: Spend time engaging with the client before assessment
Pair yourself with reinforcement: Associate yourself with positive experiences
Observe preferences: Note what activities/items the client enjoys
Consider client state: Assess if the client is ready (not hungry, tired, etc.)
Introduce gradually: Familiarize the client with the assessment setting

During Assessment

How you conduct the assessment can significantly impact the validity of the results. During the assessment:

Follow Protocols Exactly

Adhere to standardized procedures: Follow instructions precisely
Present materials as specified: Use correct positioning and presentation
Use scripted instructions: Deliver instructions exactly as written
Maintain consistent timing: Follow specified timing for trials
Implement correct order: Present items in the prescribed sequence

Document Objectively

Record actual behavior: Note what the client actually does, not interpretations
Use operational definitions: Apply clear definitions of target behaviors
Be thorough: Document all relevant responses and behaviors
Avoid bias: Record data without letting expectations influence observations
Note unusual circumstances: Document any factors that might affect performance

Manage Client Engagement

Monitor motivation: Watch for signs of fatigue or disinterest
Provide breaks: Offer breaks as needed to maintain optimal responding
Use reinforcement: Provide reinforcement for participation as appropriate
Adjust pace: Move at a pace that maintains engagement
Be sensitive to cues: Recognize when the client needs a change

Minimize Prompting

Allow independent responding: Give client opportunity to respond without help
Follow protocol guidelines: Use only prompts specified in the assessment
Document any prompts: Record if prompts were needed
Avoid inadvertent cues: Be careful not to give subtle hints
Maintain neutral affect: Keep facial expressions and tone consistent

Manage Challenging Behavior

Follow behavior plan: Implement existing behavior intervention plan
Use prevention strategies: Anticipate and prevent challenging behaviors
Maintain safety: Ensure safety of client and others
Document behaviors: Record any behaviors that impact assessment
Consult BCBA: Seek guidance if behaviors interfere with assessment

Specific Assessment Types

Different types of assessments require specific approaches:

Preference Assessments

Present items correctly: Follow specific positioning requirements
Allow equal access: Ensure client can reach all items
Record selections precisely: Note exact selections and order
Control for satiation: Provide brief access to selected items
Rearrange items: Follow protocols for repositioning items

Functional Behavior Assessments

ABC recording: Document antecedents, behaviors, and consequences accurately
Maintain continuous observation: Watch carefully during observation periods
Use operational definitions: Record based on clear behavior definitions
Note contextual factors: Document setting events and environmental factors
Implement conditions: Follow specific protocols for functional analysis conditions

Skill Assessments

Present tasks correctly: Follow specific instructions for each skill area
Score accurately: Apply scoring criteria consistently
Provide specified materials: Use correct materials for each task
Document response details: Note qualitative aspects of responses
Follow discontinue rules: Know when to stop testing specific skill areas

After Assessment

Your responsibilities continue after the assessment session:

Organize Data

Complete all forms: Ensure all data sheets are fully completed
Check for missing information: Verify all required data was collected
Organize materials: Compile data sheets in logical order
Secure confidential information: Protect client data appropriately
Prepare for analysis: Format data as required by the BCBA

Report to BCBA

Summarize observations: Share key observations from the assessment
Note procedural issues: Report any deviations from protocol
Discuss client response: Describe client engagement and behavior
Ask questions: Seek clarification on any unclear aspects
Provide context: Share relevant information about client state or environment

Prepare for Intervention

Assist with material preparation: Help create teaching materials
Review assessment results: Understand identified skill deficits
Learn teaching procedures: Prepare to implement recommended interventions
Set up data collection: Organize systems for tracking progress
Schedule sessions: Plan intervention sessions based on assessment results

Common Assessment Challenges and Solutions

Client Refusal or Non-compliance

Challenges:

Client refuses to participate
Client attempts to leave assessment area
Client engages in escape-maintained behaviors

Solutions:

Ensure powerful reinforcers are available
Break assessment into shorter sessions
Begin with easier, more preferred tasks
Embed assessment in preferred activities
Consult with BCBA about motivational strategies

Inconsistent Responding

Challenges:

Client responds correctly sometimes but not others
Performance varies across sessions
Client shows skill regression during assessment

Solutions:

Document patterns of responding
Note potential influencing factors
Assess across multiple sessions
Vary assessment times and conditions
Consider skill fluency vs. acquisition

Prompt Dependency

Challenges:

Client waits for prompts before responding
Client looks to assessor for cues
Client has history of heavy prompting

Solutions:

Maintain neutral facial expression
Follow protocol for prompt delays
Document any prompt-seeking behavior
Position yourself to minimize inadvertent cues
Consult BCBA about prompt-fading strategies

Environmental Distractions

Challenges:

Noises or visual stimuli disrupt assessment
Other people enter assessment area
Client fixates on items in environment

Solutions:

Choose quieter, more controlled setting
Remove unnecessary items from view
Use visual barriers if needed
Schedule during quieter times
Have “do not disturb” signage

Maintaining Objectivity

Challenges:

Wanting client to succeed biases scoring
Prior knowledge of client influences expectations
Pressure to show progress affects objectivity

Solutions:

Focus on protocol adherence
Use operational definitions consistently
Document exactly what you observe
Have second observer when possible
Remember assessment benefits client most when accurate

Ethical Considerations

Maintain high ethical standards during assessment:

Respect dignity: Treat the client with respect throughout assessment
Maintain confidentiality: Protect client information and data
Stay within scope: Perform only tasks within your training and certification
Report accurately: Never alter or fabricate assessment data
Seek supervision: Consult BCBA when uncertain about procedures
Avoid bias: Be aware of personal biases that might affect assessment
Prioritize client welfare: Consider client comfort and well-being

Practice Example

An RBT is assisting with a VB-MAPP assessment for a 4-year-old client. During the mand assessment, the client becomes distracted and begins to engage in repetitive behavior with a pencil that was left on the table.

Question: What should the RBT do in this situation?

Solution:

Remove the distracting item (pencil) from the table
Document the occurrence of the repetitive behavior
Take a brief break if needed to reset client motivation
Ensure powerful reinforcers are available for participation
Resume assessment with clear instructions and engaging presentation
Note in the assessment documentation that a break was required
Inform the supervising BCBA about the client’s difficulty maintaining attention

Key Points to Remember

Thorough preparation is essential for valid assessment
Follow assessment protocols exactly as specified
Document objectively without interpretation
Minimize prompting to allow independent responding
Manage client engagement throughout the assessment
Organize and report data accurately after assessment
Address challenges with appropriate strategies
Maintain ethical standards in all assessment activities
Stay within your scope of practice as an RBT
Remember that accurate assessment leads to effective intervention