Preference Assessment

Competing Items Assessment

Preparation
Overview Items are presented one at a time. The amount of time the learner spends engaging with each item
is estimated and compared to the amount of time the learner spends engaging in challenging
behavior. Items with the highest engagement and the lowest challenging behavior may function as
reinforcers and may compete with challenging behavior. This assessment is based upon the
procedures described by Piazza, Adelinis, Hanley, Goh, and Delia, 2000, and Piazza et. al., 1998.

Note: This assessment includes measurement of challenging behavior and should only be conducted
with a supervisor’s approval to ensure all learner and agency-specific safety guidelines are followed.
Suggested Prerequisites None
Materials Items identified from indirect assessment, data sheet, resetting timer that can be set to
beep/vibrate every 10 seconds.
Response Definition Item engagement needs to be defined for the learner (e.g., playing with the item in the manner in
which it was intended). If edible items are to be used, present a small piece, and each time that
portion is consumed, present another portion.

Challenging behavior needs to be defined for the learner using clear, observable, measurable terms.
Sessions The session consists of presenting one item for a total of 5 minutes. Do not conduct more than 4
consecutive sessions at one time (20 minutes total with 4 different items).
Conducting the Assessment
Arrangement 1. Use a separate data sheet for each item.
2. Organize the items so that they are readily available to you and such that the learner cannot
easily access them prior to presentation.
3. Sit across from the learner.
Instructions 4. Present one item.
5. Instruct the learner to touch/interact with the item for 5-10s before starting the session.
6. Set a resetting timer to beep or vibrate every 10 seconds (the timer should run consistently
until all trials have been scored).
7. Each time the timer sounds, look briefly at the learner to determine what the learner is doing at
that moment. Score as described below.
8. Repeat until all intervals have been scored (5 minutes).
Scoring the Assessment
Data Recording Item Engagement:
Circle Y (yes) on the data sheet if the learner is engaged with the item
Circle N (no) if the learner is NOT engaged with the item

Challenging Behavior:
Circle Y (yes) on the data sheet if the learner is engaged in challenging behavior.
Circle N (no) if the learner is NOT engaged in challenging behavior.

Note: depending on the targeted challenging behavior, it may be possible for the learner to be
engaged with the item while at the same time engaging in challenging behavior. If this occurs, score
Y for both behaviors.
Entering Results on ACE® For each item, count the total number of intervals with item engagement (number of intervals with
“Y” circled) and the total number of intervals with challenging behavior. Enter the totals for each
item in the ACE®.

Reviewing Results Items with the highest percentage of engagement and lowest percentage of challenging behavior
may be appropriate for this learner.

© [2012] The New England Center for Children, Inc. (NECC); All Rights Reserved; No portion of this work is to be
reproduced without the express written permission of NECC.