Development of an independent behaviour assessment scale for Bangladesh

The paper describes the stages in development of an assessment of the adapt ive behaviour skills of children in Bangladesh. Item selection and reductio n are described, based on an ecological analysis of behaviours expected of children aged between two and nine years of age, living in both urban and r ural settings. The IBAS has four major subscales: motor skills, socialisati on, communication and daily living skills. Norms have been constructed base d on testing a nationally representative sample of 1404 children. Content, construct and discriminant validity are established, and the reliability of the total scale and subscales is high, both between testers and over time. The IBAS can provide a baseline indication of level of skills in a child w ith intellectual disability, and aid in planning an appropriate curriculum- based programme in discussion with the child's family.