Purpose
Transdisciplinary Play-Based Assessment, Second Edition (TPBA2) is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow process for assessing four critical developmental domains, sensorimotor, emotional and social, communication, and cognitive, through observation of the child's play with family members, peers, and professionals.
Transdisciplinary Play-Based Assessment, Second Edition (TPBA-2)
Toni W. Linder, Ed.D.
2008, Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
Naturalistic, play-based, team-administered developmental assessment
The TPBA-2 manual is approximately $54.95. A three-volume set including the assessment, intervention, and administration guide is available for around $149.95. Materials are accessible through Brookes Publishing.
Available in print format as a manual or bundled in a three-part set with the TPBI-2 and administration guide.
Children from birth to 6 years old. Suitable for children with typical development as well as those with developmental delays or disabilities, including ASD, motor delays, and language concerns.
Early intervention programs, preschool and early childhood education, pediatric clinics, home-based assessments, school-based programs, and research settings.
The TPBA-2 assesses a child’s development through play to identify strengths, needs, and intervention targets. It evaluates four major domains:
Sensorimotor
Emotional and Social
Communication and Language
Cognitive
It emphasizes the child’s natural behaviors and social participation in play contexts.
Assessment is conducted in a 60–90 minute child-led play session. A transdisciplinary team (e.g., OT, PT, SLP, psychologist, educator, and parent) observes and interacts with the child. The session includes preparation, observation, debriefing, and goal-setting. Structured and unstructured play opportunities are provided in a flexible environment.
Designed for use by a trained transdisciplinary team, including licensed professionals such as occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and early intervention specialists. Parent involvement is encouraged throughout the process.
TPBA-2 manual
Observation forms and note sheets
Access to a play space and developmentally appropriate toys
Optional use of video recording for team review
Additional TPBI-2 (Intervention) and Administration Guide for planning
Scoring is qualitative and team-based. Observers rate behaviors using age-anchored guidelines and goal attainment scaling across developmental domains. Team members identify functional levels and collaboratively determine intervention goals. A summary profile is generated to inform planning.
While the TPBA-2 is not norm-referenced, it has demonstrated high inter-rater reliability (90–100% when used by trained teams). It shows strong construct validity and has been cross-validated with tools such as the Battelle Developmental Inventory. It is considered a reliable and ecologically valid method of developmental assessment, particularly for young children with diverse needs.
Strengths
Holistic, child-centered, and developmentally appropriate
Encourages collaboration among professionals and families
Flexible, culturally responsive, and engaging for the child
Directly informs intervention planning
High social validity and strong professional acceptance
Weaknesses
Time-intensive for both administration and team debriefing
Requires trained professionals and team coordination
Less standardized than traditional assessments
Scoring is more interpretive than quantitative
References
Linder, T. W. (2008). Transdisciplinary play-based assessment (2nd ed.). Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
Linder, T. W., & Linas, M. (2008). Transdisciplinary play-based intervention (2nd ed.). Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.