The Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities (ABLA) test predicts the relative efficacy of task preferences for persons with developmental disabilities

Background Prior studies have showed that presentation methods could affect the accuracy of a choice assessment. Methods In the current study, high‐ and low‐ preferred work tasks were identified in nine adults with developmental disabilities. Both tasks were then introduced in pairs within a choice assessment using the actual tasks, pictures of the tasks and spoken descriptions of the tasks. Participants were also given the Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities (ABLA) test that evaluated their discrimination skills. Results For five of the participants, their consistent choice of preferred task was predicted by their discrimination skills as assessed by the ABLA. Conclusions These findings extend that of Conyers et al. whereby the systematic assessment of discrimination skills could predict the effectiveness of different presentation methods in this population.