Functional Assessment Tools

Functional assessment tools are instruments that measure how a person is performing in a particular area of life. The results of the assessment are compared to normative values obtained from people of a similar age group or background. Scores are then used to set short-term and long-term goals for change and determine necessary interventions. Reassessments are performed at regular intervals to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions.

Behavioral Assessments

• Functional behavioral assessments are used to determine underlying causes for specific behaviors. Once the cause is determined, a specific action plan can be designed to elicit behavioral change. These assessments are frequently used in schools and are performed by the school psychologist. Mental health professionals also use functional assessments as part of the process of determining a psychiatric medical diagnosis. The tests can be administered again later to evaluate the effectiveness of a prescribed medication or behavioral intervention.

Physical Assessments

• Functional physical assessments are used in many areas of health care. These assessments are specific to the population being tested or the physical ability being assessed. Population-specific assessments include pediatrics, geriatrics and patients with a particular medical diagnosis. Geriatric assessments focus on fall risk and activities of daily living. Pediatric tests assess developmental delays with motor skills and speech. Post-stroke functional assessments are an example of a diagnosis-specific test. Ability-specific tests span multiple age groups and assess balance, strength, flexibility, endurance, and gross or fine motor skills. Sport-specific functional assessments highlight areas of weakness and strength; training programs can be customized based on the findings.

Academic Assessments

• Academic tests are administered nationally, statewide and locally. Assessments are performed in math skills, reading, history and other subjects. Tests are administered at regular intervals, and data from these tests is collected and used to compare educational performance by geographical region, race, age and economic status. Test data may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the educator.