Developmental Testing

Why do I need it ?
How can I get it?

Dr. Melody Goldman, To schedule Call Ms. Jones (301) 319-1797

Why Does my child need a test?

• To Rule Out any other challenges that might have an effect on child’s ability to
achieve their potential.
• Examples: ADHD, Anxiety, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral functioning

• To address the needs of children/adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder across the
developmental trajectory.
• Younger children: Language development and school-functioning.
• Adolescents: Adaptive functioning and social/emotional awareness
What is Developmental Testing?
• This is an individual appointment with the psychologist that entails:
• IQ testing
• Achievement testing
• Adaptive function testing (skills of daily living)
• Behavioral screening
• Social-communication skills review
• Complex Neuropsychological Assessment
• To examine brain trauma and specific functioning abilities, if extreme changes
are seen (ie. Seizures, multiple concussions, etc.)
How Can I get my child tested?
• Contact Ms. Jones at (301) 319-1797 after referral from PCM.
• Melody.r.goldman.civ@mail.mil with specific questions.
Questions?
• Thank you for your time and attention
WHAT IS ABA?
“ABA” stands for Applied Behavior Analysis.
o ABA is a set of principles that form the basis for many behavioral treatments.
o ABA is based on the science of learning and behavior.
• This science includes general “laws” about how behavior works and how learning takes place.

ABA therapy applies these laws to behavior treatments for the purpose
of:
• Increasing useful or desired behavior.
• Reducing behavior that may interfere with learning
• Increasing language and communication skills.
• Improving attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics
WHO PERFORMS ABA THERAPY?
BCBA (Board certified Behavior Analyst)
• BCBA-D means they have a doctoral degree.
• BCBA requires a Master’s degree
• BCABA means education in ABA at a Bachelor’s level.
Licensed clinical psychologists with training in applied behavior
analysis.
ABA providers may vary in training, experience, and certification
Parents Role in ABA
• TRI-Care Autism Care Demonstration
• Step 1: Get a diagnosis
• Step 2: Get referral for ABA from PCM or ASD*- Specialized Diagnosing Provider
• Step 3: Autism Care Demonstration participants must complete the following
psychometric protocol every two years:
• Referral from the primary care manager (PCM) or specialized ASD-diagnosing provider
• Outcome evaluation by an ASD-diagnosing provider to include:
• Vineland-3 – for adaptive behavior functioning; and
• Social Responsiveness Scale-2
• The authorized ABA supervisor or Autism Demonstration Corporate Services Provider (ACSP) shall
request re-authorization of ABA services for the next six months. Treatment plans must include the
documentation of progress using the PDD Behavior Inventory™ (PDD-BI™).
Parents Role in ABA: Getting Therapist
Parents Role in ABA
• In order to see the biggest gains, professionals, practitioners, and
parents must work together as one unit.
• Parents know what behavior is most functional/dysfunctional for their
own children.
• When parents implement ABA techniques at home, research has
shown that children have increased cognitive and developmental
skills.
• Children generalize what parents teach them even better than what
therapists do in external settings and with other people.
Parent Training Resource List

• The Parent's Guide to In-Home ABA Programs 1st Edition by Elle Olivia
Johnson
• The ABA Visual Language: Applied Behavior Analysis Paperback by
Makoto Shibutani (illustrations on how to apply ABA principles)
• My Child Has Autism: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals
(second edition) by Dr. Adrienne Robek
• Positive Parenting Strategies for Autism by Victoria Boone, BCBA.
(this is by a BCBA who is also a parent)