1. Examine current LOC assessment. 2. Review intended population for the updated tool, considering demographics, cultural factors, age range, and other specific assessment needs. 3. Work with the MSDE Autism Waiver unit and AW stakeholders to identify current gaps in assessment tool, scoring, and use for eligibility determination. 4. Review and modify wording of items to ensure clarity, cultural sensitivity, and appropriate language for the target population. 5. Review, modify, and operationalize scale definitions including intensity of support, frequency, intensity of behaviors, and interventions to ensure clarity, cultural sensitivity and appropriate language to appropriately score each item with reliability and validity across the full age range of Autism Waiver participants. 6. Eliminate items that are repetitive or no longer reflect current understanding of the construct being assessed. 7. Make other recommendations, as appropriate. 8. Based on modifications, determine appropriate multi-disciplinary team members required to contribute for assessment completion. 9. Review assessment to ensure psychometric quality. 10. Conduct pilot testing with a representative sample from the target population to confirm the updated assessment’s functionality.
