How are BASC-3 scores classified?

BASC-3 (Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition) scores aren't classified into simple categories like "normal" or "abnormal" in a single, universally accepted way. Interpretation is complex and requires professional judgment. Instead, scores are interpreted relative to several key metrics:

* Normative Comparisons: The primary method is comparing a child's raw scores to age- and gender-matched norms. This generates T-scores, which have a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. Generally:

* T-scores between 40 and 60: Fall within the average range.

* T-scores between 61 and 70: Indicate borderline clinical significance. This suggests some concern but doesn't necessarily mean a diagnosis. Further assessment may be needed.

* T-scores above 70: Indicate clinically significant elevations and warrant further investigation. The degree of elevation also matters. A score of 75 is more significant than a score of 71.

* Clinical Scales: The BASC-3 has numerous clinical scales (e.g., anxiety, depression, aggression). Elevated scores on *multiple* scales, showing a pattern, are more significant than an isolated high score on one scale.

* Adaptive Scales: These assess adaptive functioning, providing a comparison to the child's behavior problems. Low adaptive scores can contextualize high scores on behavior problem scales. For example, a child with high aggression scores might have low adaptive scores in social skills, making the aggression more understandable (though still problematic).

* Parent, Teacher, and Self-Report: The BASC-3 often includes reports from parents, teachers, and the child (if age-appropriate). Discrepancies between these reports are crucial and require careful interpretation. A high score on one report but not others warrants closer examination.

* Qualitative Information: The interpretation isn't solely based on numbers. The clinician also considers qualitative information from observations, interviews, and other sources.

In short: There's no simple "classification" of BASC-3 scores. Clinicians consider T-scores, patterns across scales, adaptive functioning, informant discrepancies, and qualitative information to develop a comprehensive understanding of a child's behavior and functioning. The final interpretation always involves professional clinical judgment and should not be based solely on isolated scores.