The MOTAS (Meaningful Outcomes Treatment & Assessment Scale) Guide

The second part of the MOTAS Assessment, the MOTAS (Meaningful Outcomes Treatment & Assessment Scale) Guide is a comprehensive, criterion-referenced skills assessment focusing on personalizing interventions for people with autism and related disabilities. “Meaningful Outcomes” refers to the importance of personalizing and adapting interventions to meet the diverse and changing needs of individuals with autism and their families. The MOTAS: Seeks to promote progress that is compatible with the individual’s own history and individual growth. Focuses on areas of progress and performance that are deemed most meaningful by clients and their families. Is meant to be used by individuals in clinical, home, school, group home, or community settings. Was designed by BCBAs with input from autistic individuals, parents, caregivers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, developmental psychologists, and school psychologists. Examining nearly 1,200 items across 20 domains, the MOTAS evaluates an individual’s present skill levels and determines areas that may require teaching to further increase independence and quality of life. Domains include: Communication Self-Awareness Social Behavior Transitions Toileting Hygiene and Personal Care Dressing Eating and Food Preparation Sleep Leisure Skills Chores General Safety Academic Readiness Relationships Perspective Taking and Cognitive Flexibility Shopping Transportation Time Management Employment Finances Many domains also contain specific goals related to flexibility, safety, and problem-solving. The MOTAS includes an easy-to-use grid system for scoring and summarizing a client's skill levels. Additional scoring pages are available in the MOTAS Scoring Booklet.