Predicting the Learning Ability of Children with Autism: The Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities Test versus Parents' Predictions

The Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities (ABLA) test is a useful assessment and training tool for persons with developmental disabilities. The present study assessed the predictive validity of the ABLA test with 16 children diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder, eight who performed at ABLA Level 4 and eight who performed at ABLA Level 6. Twenty criterion tasks were selected, four at each of five ABLA levels. Predictions were made based on ABLA test performance and by parents as to whether each child would learn each of the criterion tasks (given certain conditions). The researchers then attempted to teach the 20 criterion tasks to each child until they reached either the pass standard or the fail standard of the ABLA test. Ninety-four percent of predictions based on ABLA performance were confirmed, and the ABLA test was significantly more accurate for predicting a child's performance than were parents.