A system of assessment for adaptive behavior, social skills, behavioral function, medication side-effects, and psychiatric disorders

Johnny L. Matson, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. johnmatson@aol.com
Stephen B. Mayville
Rinita B. Laud

Abstract

A reliable and valid assessment is necessary for the effective delivery of services to those with mental retardation (MR). With constraints placed on financial and human resources, assessment must be comprehensive, yet cost-effective. We describe a method of assessment that operates within these constraints using informant-based measures that assess adaptive and maladaptive behavior, psychiatric disorders, behavior function, and medication side-effects.