M-ADBB SCALE (v.12)

MATTHEY, CRNCEC, & GUEDENEY (2005).

Each item is rated according to the following categories:

0: Satisfactory

1: Possible problem

2: Definite problem

This scale is best rated by the observer on the basis of his/her observations during the clinical interview. The clinician should try and socially engage the infant by smiling, chatting & touching him/her. 1. FACIAL EXPRESSION: Observer assesses the extent of facial expressiveness throughout the examination 0: Satisfactory: Face shows some clear expressiveness, whether positive (e.g. smiling) or

negative (e.g. grimacing) 1: Possible problem: Face shows limited expressiveness – but there is at least a hint of this (positive or negative). 2: Definite problem: No facial expressiveness; face appears fixed, frozen, or ‘sad’ for the whole

period. 2. EYE CONTACT: Observer assesses the nature of eye contact towards him/herself 0: Satisfactory: At least one episode of moderate duration eye contact together with several episodes of brief eye contact 1: Possible problem: Only 2 brief eye contact episodes, or just 1 moderate episode 2: Definite problem: If only 1 brief eye contact episode, or eye contact is vague, elusive or completely absent.

3. VOCALISATIONS: Observer assesses the amount of vocalisation expressing pleasure (cooing, laughing, babbling with consonant sounds, squealing with pleasure), but also lack of vocalisation expressing displeasure or pain (screaming or crying) throughout the examination. 0: Satisfactory: At least a few brief vocalisations (non-crying), or one or two long non-crying vocalisations. 1: Possible problem: Only a very few brief non-crying vocalisations; or if none of

these, at least some screaming or crying in response to stimulation; or some substantial whimpers.

2: Definite problem: Infant only occasionally whimpers only in response to stimulation, or there is a total absence of vocalisation.

4. ACTIVITY: Assess head, torso, and limb movement of the infant without taking into account hands and fingers activity, both spontaneously and in response to pleasant or unpleasant stimulation: 1: Satisfactory: At least a moderate level of spontaneous activity, with a few head, torso, and limb motions. 2: Possible problem: Very reduced level of spontaneous activity, very few head and limb movements; but responds to stimulation. 3: Definite problem: No spontaneous activity, or very low level in response to stimulation.

5. RELATIONSHIP: Observer assesses the infant’s ability to engage in a relationship with him/her, or with anyone present in the room other than the infant’s caretaker. Relationship is assessed through the infant’s attitude towards others, visual contact, and reaction to stimulation and interaction. 0: Satisfactory: Relationship at least moderately evident – either positive or negative 1: Possible problem: Relationship seems tenuous or doubtful, or only seems to be evident when the infant is crying, struggling etc. 2: Definite problem: No relationship evident – either positive or negative.

Total: DATE: INFANT’S AGE: INFANT’S NAME:

EXAMINER: VENUE:

(Derived from the Full ADBB Scale: Guedeney & Fermanian, 2001).

Reference as: Matthey, S., � rn� ec, R., & Guedeney, A. (2005). The Modified ADBB Scale (M-ADBB). Sydney South West Area Health Service, Sydney, Australia.