Speech and language therapy assessment based on applied behavior anal…
Published May 9, 2026
A scoping review of ABA-based language-assessment tools in speech-language therapy, finding limited evidence and reinforcing the need for speech-language expertise.
<p><em>This scoping review identified and described ABA-based language assessment protocols used in speech-language therapy. It found only two tools—VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R—and highlighted gaps in available validation evidence.</em></p><p><em>This review does not establish that either tool is sufficient for comprehensive communication assessment or that an ABA provider can substitute for a qualified speech-language pathologist. Assessment and treatment of speech, language, social communication, and AAC needs appropriate SLP expertise.</em></p><p><em>Source: Almeida DPC, Azoni CAS, et al. “Speech and Language Therapy Assessment Based on Applied Behavior Analysis: A Scoping Review.” CoDAS. 2025;37(4):e20240155. </em><a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/e20240155en"><em>https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/e20240155en</em></a><em> (PMID: 40802297).</em></p>