Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an ecological assessment?

A: An informal assessment (or gathering of information about an individual) in everyday situations to determine what is needed in each of these situations. Because generalization is difficult with individuals with ASD, teaching an assortment of skills and assuming the individual with apply these skills as needed in other situations is not efficient. It is best to teach the skills necessary in each setting.

Q: What kind of information does an ecological assessment provide?

A: An ecological assessment creates lists of skills and behaviors that can be clearly defined and taught for particular settings.

Q: In what locations should an ecological assessment be conducted?

A: Any! Ecological assessments can be conducted for specific environments (church, restaurant, or school), for locations in these environments (sitting in a pew, the counter for placing an order, the restroom), activities in these environments (waiting in line, placing an order, finding the restroom), and skills utilized in these environments (waiting, communicating a desired menu item, asking for the location of a restroom).

Q: Who can conduct an ecological assessment?

A: Anyone who has knowledge of an environment and all of the skills (behavioral, emotional, communicative, etc.) necessary to navigate that environment successfully.

Q: What is the benefit of an ecological assessment?

A: Ecological assessments are a piece of what is called an ecological approach, which simply means that learning opportunities occur and are derived from every day life or natural contexts.

Q: When should an ecological assessment be conducted?

A: When taking an individual with an ASD to a new environment, an ecological assessment should always be conducted at the very least to provide one’s self with necessary information and preparation for the challenges, duties, and stresses of the upcoming situation in relation to the individual with ASD. Individuals with an autism spectrum disorder should be prepared to the fullest extent for novel situations. Conducting an ecological assessment serves as reconnaissance – invaluable information gather that can be used to dictate the skills and behaviors that need to be learned to successfully navigate this situation.