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Peak Assessment in Comstock, MI
What Is the PEAK Assessment?
One of the most effective ways to increase communication and social skills for children with autism is to provide strong, compatible therapeutic solutions. To create a plan that addresses each child's specific needs, several assessments can be given that determine existing strengths and challenges. One testing method is the Promoting Emergence of Advanced Knowledge assessment. The PEAK assessment is a tool for helping therapists determine which applied behavioral analysis methods would be most beneficial to the child.
What Is the PEAK Assessment?
The PEAK Autism Assessment is a multi-phased approach to therapy for children with autism. First, an assessment is completed using several different criteria; then, a specifically planned curriculum is put into place to achieve goals in communication, social skills, and behavior. The curriculum falls into four different module categories, so the assessment covers the information in each module.
Direct Training
During the direct training portion of the assessment, the child is evaluated on requesting, imitating, and labeling. This section covers many of the same skill areas as The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program, another frequently used assessment tool.
Generalization
The generalization assessment determines how well a child on the autism spectrum disorder can take information and skills learned about something specific and generalize it to a broader category. Common Core standards are included within the generalization assessment and module.
Equivalence
The assessment of equivalence skills involves the measurement of how well a child can equivocate a skill that has been taught with an additional skill. One of the ways to assess this is to see if the same skill presented in reverse results in a correct response.
Transformation
The transformation skills assessment measures the child’s ability to make associations. Examples of associations include similarities and differences between objects or constructs. Transformation is also useful for social skills assessment.
What Happens After the PEAK Assessment?
The main purpose of the PEAK assessment is to inform the therapist where to begin the modules in the PEAK relational training system. All modules are important to the program, but each one takes the child through the specific areas of greatest concern. For example, one child may spend more time within the PEAK direct training module, while another may focus on the principles of the PEAK transformation module.
What Are the Benefits of the PEAK Program?
Although the PEAK curriculum does not replace ABA therapy, the amount of time spent in ABA therapy can sometimes be reduced. Children completing the PEAK problem can gain skills that extend beyond the curriculum since the goal is for individuals to be able to transfer taught skills to other skill sets. The PEAK program contains elements taught through other therapy programs, such as VB-MAPP, but expands well beyond the other curriculum choices.
Assessments and Therapy at Applied Behavioral Science Institution
If you feel your child could benefit from the PEAK relational training system, Applied Behavioral Science Institution can help. For more information about available programs and assessments, contact Applied Behavioral Science Institution today.
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