What is the ICAP Assessment?
The Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) is a crucial functional assessment tool used by professionals to evaluate an individual's adaptive behavior and potential behavioral challenges. Adaptive behaviors include the skills necessary for daily living. The assessment is typically completed by a caregiver or family member who has observed the individual's behavior. The results aid in determining eligibility for services and developing individualized support plans.
The Different Types of ICAP Scores and Their Ranges
The ICAP provides several scores that offer a comprehensive view of an individual's needs. Understanding the range of each score is essential for accurate interpretation.
The ICAP Service Score
The ICAP Service Score is an overall score that indicates the level of service intensity an individual requires. It combines assessments of both adaptive and maladaptive behaviors.
- Range: 0 to 100.
- Meaning: A higher score generally means less assistance is needed, indicating stronger adaptive skills and fewer maladaptive behaviors. Conversely, a lower score suggests a greater need for support.
The ICAP Service Level
In addition to the Service Score, the ICAP includes a Service Level that categorizes the intensity of needs.
- Range: 1 to 9.
- Meaning: Lower levels indicate a greater need for support and supervision. This level is often used by agencies to align with specific service and funding allocations {Link: DSHS https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/forms/pdf/10-329.pdf}.
Individual Item Scoring
Individual tasks and behaviors within the ICAP are rated on a smaller scale.
- Range: 0 to 3.
- Meaning: This scale assesses an individual's independence in performing a task. A score of 0 means never or rarely performs, 1 performs sometimes but not well, 2 performs reasonably well, and 3 performs very well (complete independence) {Link: DSHS https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/forms/pdf/10-329.pdf}.
How is the ICAP Score Calculated?
A computer program processes the raw scores from the assessment, considering the individual's age to provide standardized scores across four adaptive skills sections {Link: DSHS https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/forms/pdf/10-329.pdf}. The overall Service Score is typically a weighted calculation, with adaptive behavior contributing about 70% and maladaptive behavior about 30%, to reflect the required support intensity {Link: DSHS https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/forms/pdf/10-329.pdf}.
Factors Influencing the ICAP Score
An individual's ICAP score can be influenced by various factors and may change over time, necessitating re-assessment if support needs evolve {Link: DSHS https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/forms/pdf/10-329.pdf}.
- Functional Abilities: Changes in cognitive or physical health can impact adaptive behavior scores.
- Behavioral Challenges: Fluctuations in maladaptive behaviors can alter the Service Score.
- Living Environment: The level of support in an individual's living situation can affect demonstrated independence, as the assessment captures performance in everyday settings.
- Medication: The effect of medication on performance and behavior is considered.
Comparison of ICAP Service Scores and Levels
The table below highlights the key differences between the Service Score and Service Level:
| Score Type | Range | Interpretation of Higher Score | Interpretation of Lower Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Score | 0 to 100 | Indicates less intensive support is needed {Link: DSHS https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/forms/pdf/10-329.pdf}. | Indicates more intensive support is needed. |
| Service Level | 1 to 9 | Suggests less intensive service is required. | Implies greater service need. |
These scores work together to provide a detailed picture for resource allocation and service planning.
The Role of the ICAP in Individualized Support
The ICAP is a valuable tool for developing personalized support plans. The detailed scores identify specific areas where an individual may benefit from additional training or assistance. This allows professionals to create targeted interventions based on a person's strengths and areas for growth.
For instance, if scores show strong communication skills but weaker community living skills, the support plan can focus on teaching skills like managing money or using public transportation. If maladaptive behaviors are a concern, the plan might prioritize behavior support strategies. This approach ensures that support is tailored to the individual's unique needs.
For more information on adaptive behavior assessments, visit the official website of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Conclusion
The ICAP assessment uses a Service Score (0–100) and a Service Level (1–9) to measure service intensity, along with item scores (0–3) for specific abilities. These ranges provide a standardized way to evaluate adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, informing resource allocation and personalized support strategies for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities {Link: DSHS https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/forms/pdf/10-329.pdf}.
