VB MAPP Level 2 – Free Download

VB MAPP Level 2: An Essential Tool for Early Learning (Ages 18-30 Months)

What is the VB-MAPP?

If you are familiar with the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones and Placement Program), you will know it is a comprehensive tool used by educators and professionals to assess developmental milestones in young.

The VB Mapp milestone assessment comes in 3 parts,

• VB Mapp level 1 which is designed for children aged 0-18 months,
• VB Mapp level 2 which is for 18-30 month old children and
• VB Mapp level 3 that is used to assess children aged between 30-48 months.

I previously posted about VB Mapp Level 1, which covers the 0-18 months range. You can find that post [here].

Introduction to VB MAPP Level 2

VB Mapp Level 2 is an assessment that helps determine whether a child is meeting key milestones necessary for their age range or if they may be behind compared to peers.

This level, targeting ages 18-30 months, evaluates skills like early communication, basic social interaction, and foundational problem-solving.

For many parents, myself included, this assessment can provide clarity and direction when understanding where an autistic child stands developmentally.

When my child was diagnosed with autism, they were assessed using the VB-MAPP, which became a critical tool in our journey. Seeing the results of the assessment helped me recognize which milestones had been met and which required more focused attention.

What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interactions.

People with autism like us may have different ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to their environment.

The signs can appear early in childhood, as it did with myself and my child. And while every autistic individual is unique, common characteristics can include challenges with speech, repetitive behaviors, and sensitivity to sensory input.

Parents and caregivers often seek structured ways to support their child’s development, and that is where programs like the VB-MAPP come into play.

I was introduced to it by a wonderful therapist and immediately understood how amazing it would be in helping me teach my child the things that they are struggling with.

How Does Autism and the VB-MAPP Connect?

I believe that the VB-MAPP is particularly useful for children with autism, as it helps pinpoint their unique strengths and challenges.

When my autistic child was assessed using VB Mapp Level 2, it provided a clear picture of their current skills and developmental gaps.

This understanding allowed me to create targeted learning plans that can help my autistic child grow in areas where they needed more support.

For parents like me, whose child was diagnosed with autism, the VB Mapp Level 2 acts as a road map for teaching and nurturing key milestones that promote better communication, social interaction, and learning.

My Personal Experience

After receiving my child’s VB-MAPP results, the specialist informed me that my child was significantly behind other children of the same age.

Their recommendation was to enroll my child in a special needs school.

However, I chose to trust my instincts as a parent.

I believed in my child’s potential and decided to embark on teaching them the milestones outlined in VB Mapp Level 2 myself.

Yes, it was challenging at times, especially knowing that my child’s speech and social interactions were delayed.

But I was determined to work through these obstacles, reinforcing the milestones step by step.

I found the insights from the VB-MAPP incredibly helpful in tailoring activities and learning sessions that suited my child’s needs.

Teaching VB MAPP Level 2 at Home

When my child was diagnosed with autism, the professionals used the VB-MAPP to assess their skills. Specifically, they looked at where my child stood in relation to VB Mapp Level 2, which covers milestones for 18-30 months.

The results showed that my child was behind their peers, leading to the recommendation for specialized schooling.

However, as a parent, I knew my child had potential, so I started working on VB Mapp Level 2 milestones at home.

This effort has helped my child make significant progress, participate in kindergarten activities, and engage with other children.

Currently, my child is midway through VB Mapp Level 2, and the progress has been rewarding.

Building this foundation has not only improved their learning but also boosted their confidence.

They can now join group activities, engage more effectively with their peers, and handle interactions in kindergarten better.

The value of working on VB Mapp Level 2 at home is immense.

It provides a structured approach to supporting an autistic child’s growth.

Achieving these milestones fosters independence and allows them to integrate more comfortably into social settings. I can see that my child is also now much more confident.

My child is also not insecure in social settings anymore and in particular is doing very well in a state montessori school.

A book I recommend that everyone read is called, ‘THE NEMECHEK PROTOCOL FOR AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS: A How-To Guide For Restoring Neurological Function’.

An autism diagnosis and also being told that your child is lacking in certain areas, or is behind their peers when it comes to some skills is not the end of the world.

All children are capable of learning and it is important to go according to the level of your child.

I have been doing this and I can honestly say that I have seen such great progress that I am surprised how well it works