Table of Contents

Picture your child happily coming into the therapy room, thrilled to see their favorite toy or snack waiting for them. Their joy is infectious, but have you ever wondered how therapists know exactly what makes them so happy? That’s where preference assessments come into play—they’re a way for therapists to learn about your child with autism’s likes and dislikes, so therapy can be more enjoyable and effective. If you’re a parent of a child with autism, understanding how preference assessments work can be pivotal in tailoring effective therapy sessions for your child’s needs.

What is a Preference Assessment in ABA Therapy?

In ABA therapy, a preference assessment is a systematic way of identifying the items, activities, or stimuli that motivate and engage a child with autism. The ABA therapist will set a preference hierarchy. This is a list that ranks a child with autism’s favorite things, like toys or activities. Therapists use this list to understand what motivates the child the most. By understanding a child’s preferences, (and order of preference,) therapists can effectively use these items as rewards or reinforcements during therapy sessions, thereby increasing the child’s engagement and cooperation. 

What are the Four Types of Preference Assessment Methods?

1. Ask Method:

The Ask Method involves directly asking the child questions to determine their preferences. Examples include asking the child what toys they like to play with, what activities they enjoy, or what snacks they prefer. For instance, during a therapy session, the therapist may ask the child, “Which toy would you like to play with: the puzzle or the stuffed animal?” Based on the child’s response, the therapist gains insight into the child’s preferences.

2. Rank Ordering:

Rank Ordering requires the child to rank a set of items or activities from most preferred to least preferred. For example, a therapist might present the child with a list of toys and ask them to rank them based on their preference. During a rank ordering task, the child may be presented with a list of activities such as playing outside, coloring, or watching cartoons. The child then ranks these activities according to their preference, providing valuable information for the therapist.

3. Trial-Based Method:

The Trial-Based Method involves presenting the child with different stimuli or options and observing their choices. This method includes variations such as Multiple Stimulus With Replacement (MSW), Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement (MSWO), Paired Stimulus, and Single Stimulus. MSW: In MSW, the ABA therapist presents multiple options repeatedly, allowing the child to choose the same option multiple times. For example, a therapist might present the child with a selection of snacks and allow them to choose their preferred snack multiple times during the session. MSWO: In MSWO, the therapist removes chosen options after each selection, providing a more controlled environment. For instance, if the child selects a toy from a set of options, the therapist removes that toy from the selection before presenting the remaining options again. Paired Stimulus: This method presents two options simultaneously, and the child selects their preferred option. For example, the therapist might show the child two pictures of different activities and ask which one they prefer. Single Stimulus: This method presents one option at a time, and the child indicates whether they like or dislike it. For instance, the therapist might present a snack to the child and ask if they would like to have it.

4. Free Operant Observations 

Free Operant Observations involve observing the child’s interaction with various items or activities in a more naturalistic or contrived setting. The types of free operant observations include:

Naturalistic Free-Operant Observation 

The child is observed in their natural environment without any imposed structure or specific tasks. Preferences are inferred based on what items or activities the child engages with most frequently or for the longest duration.

Contrived Free-Operant Observation: 

The environment is arranged to include a variety of items or activities, and the child is observed to see which options they engage with most frequently. By observing the child’s choices and engagement levels in different scenarios, Free Operant Observations provide robust data on preferences, even for children who may have difficulty communicating their likes and dislikes directly.

What is Preference vs. Reinforcement Assessment?

Preference assessment focuses on identifying items or activities that a child with autism enjoys, whereas reinforcement assessment determines which of these preferred items or activities serve as effective reinforcers during therapy sessions. Reinforcement assessment, often referred to as RAISD (Reinforcer Assessment in Individual Settings), involves a formal survey to determine the potency of potential reinforcers. For example, if a child enjoys playing with blocks, a preference assessment would identify blocks as a preferred item. However, through reinforcement assessment, the therapist would determine if playing with blocks effectively reinforces desired behaviors during therapy sessions.

How Often are Preference Assessments Conducted?

Preference assessments should be conducted regularly to account for any changes in the child’s preferences over time. The frequency of preference assessments depends on the individual child and their responsiveness to therapy. Typically, preference assessments are integrated into ABA therapy sessions on a consistent basis to ensure that the child remains motivated and engaged. It’s essential for therapists to adapt their approach based on the child’s evolving preferences and needs. Regular assessment allows therapists to adjust therapy plans accordingly, ensuring continued progress and engagement.

How Do You Choose Which Preference Assessment to Use?

When selecting a preference assessment method, therapists consider various factors, including the child’s age, developmental level, communication abilities, and preferences. Additionally, the therapist’s expertise and the resources available may influence the choice of assessment method. For example, for non-verbal children with autism or those with limited communication skills, visual-based methods such as showing pictures or using a single stimulus approach may be more effective. On the other hand, verbal children may respond well to the ask method or rank ordering tasks. It’s essential to select a method that best suits the child’s needs and allows for accurate identification of preferences. By tailoring the preference assessment approach to the individual child, therapists can maximize the effectiveness of ABA therapy and promote positive outcomes.

Heartlinks ABA Can Help With Preference Assessments

In conclusion, preference assessments play a crucial role in ABA therapy for children with autism. By identifying and utilizing the child’s preferences as reinforcers, therapists can enhance engagement, motivation, and overall progress in therapy sessions. If you’re considering ABA therapy for your child with autism, don’t hesitate to reach out to Heartlinks ABA Therapy for personalized support and guidance tailored to your child’s needs. Together, we can make meaningful strides towards your child’s development and well-being.