The Meaningful Outcomes and Assessment Scale (MOTAS)
Is a comprehensive skills assessment to use with individuals with autism from approximately age 6-years-old throughout the lifespan. The term “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 contains nearly 1,200 items across 20 domains. The domains included in the MOTAS are; 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, and Finances.
This assessment seeks
To move beyond a single snapshot of the individual as far as just one score or one defining characteristic. The MOTAS seeks to allow for progress that is compatible with the individual’s own history and intraindividual growth. The focus here is not on reaching neurotypical milestones (which historically have been determined in relation to neurotypical populations) but to focus on the individual’s own progress and performance that are deemed most meaningful by them and their families (Georgiades & Kasari, 2018). This assessment seeks to help providers be mindful that there are varying trajectories and outcomes for each individual. Individual progress is what matters. Being able to identify personal growth from who a person was, to who they are, and who they are becoming is the priority. The MOTAS was developed to be used by individuals in clinical, home, school, group home, or community settings.
In addition to the MOTAS,
An individualized interview is included to perform with parents/caregiver/client called “The LOOP.” The LOOP stands for Levels of Optimum Performance. This interview helps to guide the assessment process and also understand areas that are of most concern in order to “keep everyone in the LOOP.”
In addition to the LOOP, is the LOOP-C. The LOOP-C is for clients to complete and was created in collaboration with several individuals on varying levels of the autism spectrum. The LOOP-C provides greater understanding to the needs of those we serve. This is an important component when implementing plans that will directly impact their lives and futures.
The follow up interview for the MOTAS is called “Staying in the LOOP.” This interview should be utilized to make sure everyone, including client, parent, and caregiver, is informed of future goals, progress, and adapting to the needs of the client.
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Meet Our Team
Anika is the founder and owner of Autism & Behavioral Intevention (ABI) in Draper, Utah. Anika has worked in public schools and in private sectors with children for over 20 years. Anika has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Autism, another Master’s degree in Human Exceptionality, an Ed.S in School Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis. Anika is a Doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and also a Licensed School Psychologist.
Anika has a passion for helping individuals reach their highest potential. She started ABI in 2013 because she saw a need for high quality services for individuals with autism. Anika has been a single mom for 20 years and has one daughter who is the light of her life. Anika has presented at national and international conferences on a variety of topics. Her passion is teaching kindness. Anika has done research, including her dissertation, on the importance of implementing kindness into every single interaction and treatment approach. She believes that kindness is the method, not the reward. When kindness is a priority, everyone benefits.
Anika has also collaborated with many other professionals to create instruments that have lasting impact. As both a school psychologist and behavior analyst, Anika has worked extensively in administering and creating plans that have true meaningful outcomes.
Anika is the creator of the Meaningful Outcomes Treatment and Assessment Scale (MOTAS) which helps to promote independence and higher quality of life for those individuals on the autism spectrum.
Anika loves children and is constantly thinking of how to help each one feel successful and know they are loved and valued! Anika is her happiest when she sees children progressing and her staff fulfilled and happy as they come into work. Luckily she gets to see this EVERYDAY!!
Casey Barron has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2015 and hasbeen a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst since February of 2020. During her ABA career, she has worked in clinical, home, and academic settings. Casey completed her undergraduate education at the University of Utah in 2016, then earned her master’s degree from Arizona State University in 2019. Since practicing as a BCBA, she has developed a special interest in compassionate care practices and reducing challenging interfering behavior. Casey is certified in Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill Based Treatment (SBT) for treating severe problem behavior. She loves connecting with families and working together to create meaningful changes in the lives of the kids she works with. When she isn’t working, Casey enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.