AdminThe VB-MAPP, or Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program, is a criterion-referenced assessment tool widely used for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Developed by Dr. Mark Sundberg, it is grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. Its primary purpose is to provide a clear, accurate snapshot of a child’s existing language and learning skills. By identifying what a child can and cannot do, it serves as the foundational step for building an effective, individualized educational curriculum. This assessment moves beyond traditional language evaluations by focusing on the function of words, not just their form, making it a powerful instrument for intervention.
The Five Core Components of the System
The VB-MAPP is not a single test but a comprehensive program consisting of five distinct components that work together. The most well-known part is the Milestones Assessment, which evaluates 170 language and learning milestones across three stark aba developmental levels (0-18 months, 18-30 months, and 30-48 months). This is complemented by the Barriers Assessment, designed to identify and score common learning and language acquisition obstacles, such as prompt dependency or behavioral issues. A Transition Assessment helps gauge a child’s readiness for a less restrictive educational environment, while the Task Analysis and Skills Tracking provide a further breakdown of the skills into smaller, teachable steps, allowing for ongoing progress monitoring.
How Milestones Map Language Development
The core of the assessment lies in its detailed milestones, which are organized by developmental level to create a roadmap for language growth. Level 1 focuses on foundational skills like manding (requesting), tacting (labeling), and listener responding, which typically develop in very young children. Level 2 builds upon these basics, introducing more complex skills like intraverbals (conversational responding), group behavior, and early reading and writing. Level 3 targets advanced academic and social skills necessary for learning in a classroom setting. By plotting a child’s scores on a visual grid, the VB-MAPP creates an “EESA” (Early Echoic Skills Assessment) profile and a clear visual representation of the child’s current skill repertoire and emerging abilities.
Using Assessment Data to Guide Intervention
The true value of the VB-MAPP lies in its direct application to therapy and education. Once the assessment is complete, the data directly informs the development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or intervention goals. Because it identifies specific skill deficits, it allows practitioners to pinpoint exactly which verbal operants need to be taught. For example, if a child can label items (tact) but cannot request them (mand), the intervention plan will prioritize mand training. This ensures that teaching is both efficient and effective, focusing on the most critical skills to help the child become a more competent and independent communicator.
The Lasting Impact on Autism Intervention
Since its introduction, the VB-MAPP has fundamentally changed how language is assessed and taught to children with autism. Its strength lies in its practical, behavior-analytic approach, which breaks down complex communication into teachable components. By focusing on the “why” behind a child’s words and actions, it fosters the development of functional, spontaneous language. For parents and professionals, it offers a shared, objective language to discuss a child’s progress and next steps. Ultimately, the VB-MAPP empowers educators and therapists to build language programs that are not just about teaching words, but about building meaningful connections and improving quality of life.
