An Overview of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) For Children
The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) for children ages 6 to 18 is called the Interview Edition. There are two versions of it, the Survey Form and the Expanded Form. These versions reflect the same structure of other editions of the VABS. The method of administration still utilizes the semi-structured interview but the respondents are the parents, guardians, and caregivers of the child being assessed. Both the survey form and the expanded form of the Interview Edition have questions that seek to assess four key behavioral domains. These are:
The above domains affect the social interactions as well as the personal growth and development of the children. So what is the difference between the Interview-Survey form and the Interview-Expanded form? There are, in fact, several differences that, in certain circumstances, may compel a psychologist to use both versions on a child. The first difference is in the number of questions, which also consequently changes the length of time needed to administer the semi-structured interview. The Survey Form has 297 questions and it would take between 20 and 60 minutes to complete the assessment. The Expanded Form, on the other hand, has a total of 577 items, which needs 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
A second difference lies in the nature and organization of the questions or items. The Expanded Form has its questions organized around sub-domains of the previously enumerated behavioral domains. This makes the Expanded Form more comprehensive than the Survey Form. Many psychologists would use the Survey Form in providing general and initial assessment of the child. If the results of the Survey Form indicate the presence of special needs, the Expanded Form is administered. Then, the results of the Expanded Form can be used as the basis for putting together a treatment or rehabilitative program that meets the unique needs of the child. Of course, when the psychologist or social worker finds obvious evidences of developmental problems, he/she will skip the Survey Form and will immediately use the Expanded Form.
The VABS can be answered by parents either online or using the traditional paper and pencil route. But only a trained psychologist or social worker can validly interpret the scores. There is, of course, computer software available that can be used. The VABS Interview Edition is available in English and Spanish.
