Assessments

Thorough, data-driven evaluations that form the foundation of every successful treatment plan

The Foundation

Why Assessments Matter

Every effective ABA program starts with a comprehensive assessment. Understanding your child's unique profile is the first step toward meaningful progress.

Behavioral assessments are the cornerstone of ABA therapy. They allow our BCBAs to identify your child's current skills, pinpoint areas that need support, understand the function of challenging behaviors, and develop a treatment plan that is truly individualized.

At American Institute of Mental Health, we use standardized, research-validated assessment tools combined with direct observation and parent interviews to build a complete picture of each client's needs and strengths.

Our Assessments

Types of Assessments

We offer three core assessment types, each serving a specific purpose in the treatment journey.

Initial Assessment

First Step

The initial assessment is the first comprehensive evaluation conducted by a BCBA when a client begins services. It establishes a baseline of the individual's skills, behaviors, and needs, serving as the blueprint for the entire treatment plan.

What's Included

  • Parent/caregiver interview
  • Direct observation of the child
  • Standardized skill assessments (VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, or AFLS)
  • Adaptive behavior evaluation
  • Treatment plan development

What to Expect

  • ⏱
    Duration: 2–4 hours (may be split across sessions)
  • Location: Your home or natural environment
  • Results: Written report within 2 weeks
  • Meeting: Review session with family

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Behavior Analysis

The FBA is a specialized assessment designed to identify the function — or purpose — behind challenging behaviors. Understanding why a behavior occurs is essential to developing effective, ethical interventions that address the root cause rather than just the symptoms.

The FBA Process

  • 1
    Define the target behavior(s) in observable, measurable terms
  • 2
    Collect data through interviews, observations, and ABC recording
  • 3
    Analyze antecedents (triggers) and consequences
  • 4
    Determine the function of behavior (attention, escape, access, sensory)
  • 5
    Develop a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

What to Expect

  • ⏱
    Duration: 3–6 hours of observation across settings
  • Location: Home, school, or community (where behaviors occur)
  • Results: Comprehensive FBA report with BIP
  • 🔄
    Timeline: Completed within 2–3 weeks
🔄

Reassessment

Ongoing Progress

Reassessments are conducted periodically (typically every 6 months) to evaluate progress, update goals, and ensure the treatment plan continues to meet the client's evolving needs. They are also required by most insurance providers for continued authorization of services.

What's Evaluated

  • Progress toward current goals
  • Newly acquired skills and milestones
  • Remaining areas of need
  • Updated treatment recommendations
  • Adjustment of service hours if needed

What to Expect

  • ⏱
    Duration: 1–3 hours
  • Frequency: Every 6 months (or as needed)
  • Results: Updated treatment plan and progress report
  • Meeting: Family review of progress and new goals
Timeline

Assessment Timeline

From referral to treatment plan — here's how quickly we move to get services started.

Day 1

Initial contact and insurance verification. We gather your information and begin the intake process immediately.

Week 1–2

BCBA conducts the initial assessment and FBA. Multiple observation sessions are scheduled at your convenience.

Week 2–3

Written assessment report completed, treatment plan finalized, and insurance authorization submitted.

Week 3–4

Once authorized, therapy sessions begin! Your child is matched with an RBT and a consistent schedule is established.

Schedule an Assessment

The first step is the most important one. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive assessment for your child.

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