The Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities (ABLA) test predicts the relative efficacy of task preferences for persons with developmental disabilities.

Nine adults with developmental disabilities took the ABLA test. The test ranks how easily someone learns new tasks.

Next, staff let each adult try real tasks, look at pictures, and hear verbal descriptions. Staff recorded which format the adult picked most often.

Five adults kept the same top choice across all three formats. Their ABLA level matched the format they preferred.

Adults with low ABLA scores picked real objects. Adults with higher scores also liked pictures or words.

Matson et al. (2008) reviewed many studies and say the ABLA predicts learning in almost every area. Our single-case data fit that big picture.

Petry et al. (2007) found the same link for picture naming: fail ABLA Level 6, fail picture tasks. Together, the papers show the test spots which format to use for both preference and language work.

Lattimore et al. (2002) used simple paired-task choices two years earlier. The ABLA method gives clearer, faster guidance on what to present.

Run the ABLA before any preference assessment. If the client scores low, skip pictures and spoken choices. Put real objects in front of them right away. You will get cleaner data and save session time.