Conducting the VB-MAPP

• The VB-MAPP can be conducted with any language delayed individual,

regardless of age or specific diagnosis.

• The examples and materials used and specific test items should be
adjusted to account for age-appropriateness.

• To conduct the VB-MAPP it is essential that the tester have a basic

understanding of behavior analysis, Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior,
and the components of linguistic structure.

• The accuracy and effectiveness of this assessment tool are related to the
skill level of the person conducting the assessment.

• Multiple people can be involved in the assessment of the individual skills

(i.e., linguistic structure and the echoic may be best assessed by a SLP).

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Comparing ABLLS to VB-MAPP

ABLLS
• 466 individual skills assessed
over 25 sections
• Evaluates performance of
individual skills
• Assessment is time consuming
• Order of skills (hierarchy) is not
matched to typical development
• Does not provide age norms
• Does not assess problem
behavior
• Difficult to link to Individualized
Education Plans (IEP) or typical
special education curricula
VB-MAPP
• 170 milestones measured across
16 skill areas
• Evaluates achievement of
developmental milestones
• Assessments can be completed
quickly
• Order of milestones (hierarchy)
more closely matched to typical
development
• Levels linked to specific ages, so
easier to compare to age norms
• Includes barrier assessment to
identify areas interfering with
learning
• Provides guidance for the
development of IEP goals and
placement

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