Abstract

The Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) comprises a family of assessment instruments for ages 1½ to 90+ years. The instruments are designed to assess a broad spectrum of problems and adaptive functioning, as reported by the people who are being assessed and by people who know them (“collaterals”), as well as by clinical interviewers, direct observers, and psychological examiners. Data are obtained on standardized rating forms that can be filled out in about 10 to 20 minutes. The forms include both structured items that are scored quantitatively and open-ended items that elicit clinically useful information in the respondent’s own words. If a respondent cannot complete a form independently, the items can be read to the respondent by a receptionist or other nonclinician, who then writes the responses on the form.