Over the last couple of months, we have been noticing denials
for adult DDS services on the basis of scores on the Adaptive
Behavior Assessment System (ABAS). To be eligible for adult
services, an applicant must have an IQ score of approximately
70 or below and deficits in adaptive behaviors. To determine
whether an applicant has deficits in adaptive behavior, DDS
reviews adaptive behavior assessments. Popular tools include
the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale and ABAS.
DDS will usually administer its own ABAS to the applicant’s
mother or father as part of the eligibly process by asking a
series of questions regarding skills, abilities and behavior of his
or her son or daughter. If the score resulting from DDS’s ABAS
is over its guidelines for services, an applicant will be denied,
e.g. a conclusion will be reached that the deficits in adaptive
behavior are not sufficient to justify a finding of intellectual
disability – even if the full scale IQ is 70 or below.
We are aware of cases where a parent was not advised that the
questions being asked were part of an ABAS administration.
Therefore, it is important to be clear about the information
given to DDS representatives no matter how casual the
conversation.
The ABAS is a subjective assessment. When test scores
vary widely over time, further inquiry needs to be made
as to whether administration errors were made, what the
circumstances were when the information was provided,
whether the information was accurately recorded, etc. In
addition, adaptive behavior assessments, while useful, do not
tell the whole story of a person’s functioning.
In summary, if applying for DDS services be aware of the role
the adaptive behavior assessments play. If eligibility is denied
based on adaptive behavior, be aware that that you have a right
to appeal.
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