How to Use the ABLLS-R as an Assessment & IEP Development Tool
Presented by Dr. Suzanne Jacobsen, R.Psych & BCBA
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Many teachers and parents are frustrated by the challenge of understanding what skills a child with special needs has and what building blocks they are missing in order to progress. For 8 years, the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) has been widely considered an excellent assessment, curriculum guide, and skills-tracking system for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Now the ABLLS has been significantly revised, based on the latest research and using input from parents and professionals, including educators, behaviour analysts and SLPs. The ABLLS–Revised (ABLLS–R) has a number of new items to help further identify the social interaction deficits that may hinder a student’s ability to learn and to engage socially. Based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), the ABLLS–R breaks down the many skills necessary to communicate successfully and to learn from everyday experience. It is particularly relevant for students who have not developed the skill levels that are achieved by typical children by age 5 to 6, in communication, language and other areas.

The workshop videos will provide participants with opportunities to analyse learner skills and practice using ABLLS–R findings to develop comprehensive language-based curriculum plans. A brief overview of Verbal Behaviour, an approach to Applied Behaviour Analysis, will be presented as a method to develop a child’s language skills. Individuals who have already done workshops on Verbal Behaviour will find this workshop particularly helpful.