Key Terms

Naturalistic assessment

An assessment approach based on naturalistic instruction. Multiple opportunities for the child to perform skills across domains of development occur or can be embedded in the context of child-initiated, routine, and planned activities. Caregivers and others who interact with the child on a regular basis are responsible for observing the child and recording assessment information. The adult observes the child in play or directly tests the child to obtain information on functional skills that will enhance the child’s independence and social interactions across environments.

Ecological approach

A model of human behavior that views the development of the child within the broader family and societal context. It stresses the interconnections among the diverse environments (e.g., home, school) in which a child participates.

Event sampling

A method for collecting data that involves measuring specific behaviors by counting the number of times they occur or recording how long each lasts.

Ecobehavioral interviews

A type of interview used in naturalistic assessment. Caregivers and others who interact with the child on a regular basis are interviewed to obtain detailed information on the child’s behavioral repertoire, including the child’s abilities and areas in which the child may be experiencing difficulties.

Child-initiated activities

Activities that a child selects.

Routine activities

Events that occur on a predictable or regular basis, such as mealtime, diapering, and dressing.

Planned activities

Events designed for the child that ordinarily do not happen without adult intervention, such as making recipes, conducting science experiments, or visiting museums.

Linked systems approach

A program evaluation approach that directly connects assessment, intervention and evaluation. A linked system can be divided into four phases: 1) initial assessment, 2) goal development, 3) intervention, and 4) evaluation. Each phase is linked to the next, and all four components are reciprocally related.