Abstract
Several studies have examined methods for assessing the extent to which social interactions function as reinforcing, neutral, or aversive stimuli for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. We sought to replicate and extend the utility of procedures evaluated by Morris and Vollmer (2021) by embedding a modified sociability assessment within children’s initial intake assessments for behavior analytic services. Across an 8-min session, using a concurrent operant arrangement, we measured whether the child spent most of their time playing with toys by themself or selecting to play with the same toys with an adult. Out of the 14 children who participated, eight demonstrated a social preference, two demonstrated a preference to play independently, and four demonstrated a neutral preference. The results highlight the feasibility of conducting sociability assessments during intake evaluations, and their potential utility for informing clinical decision-making. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)