Chapter 9 - Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC): Toward Accurate Diagnosis and Effective Treatment

Abstract

The behavior assessment system for children (BASC) is a multimethod and multidimensional behavior rating scale. It is useful for identifying children with behavior problems, determining the range and magnitude of psychopathology, and assessing behavior change over time. The BASC is unique in that it includes clinical scales that are reflective of childhood psychopathology, and adaptive behavior functioning. The BASC is based on a dimensional approach in which behaviors are studied through the grouping of constructs or dimensions. The BASC has a number of features that render its use particularly advantageous for childhood assessment. The multimethod approach allows one to gather information from parents, teachers, and a self-report. Its structured developmental history format ensures that relevant background information is obtained from the parent or guardian. The classroom observation system is useful for assessing the target child's behavior at a given time and for generally observing the target child's behavior within the classroom. The multidimensional approach is an advantage of the BASC, as it measures aspects of behavior and personality from a clinical and adaptive behavior functioning viewpoint. The BASC allows one to identify the problematic behavior as well as areas of normalcy and/or strengths.