MADRAS DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMMING SYSTEM

The Madras Developmental Programming System’s (MDPS) Behavioral Scales are

designed to provide information about the functional skills of the mentally retarded
persons for purposes of individualized programme planning. The scales contain 360 items
grouped under 18 functional domains. As an aid to programme planning the items under
each domain are developmentally sequenced along a dependence / independence
continuum. The scales are designed to collect information about the retarded person by
those people who have an interest in the life of the retarded person.

Instructions:

Read the instructions all the way through before beginning the assessment.

In order to use the Madras Developmental Programming System for behavioral

assessment the following materials are necessary:
1. This booklet, containing the behavioral scales and instructions.
2. The behavioral profile form
3. ABAK – Adaptive Behavioral Assessment Kit
In the profile-
- Complete the identifying information.
- Mark ‘A’ or ‘B’ as per instruction for the Initial Assessment Count and
enter the total number of ‘A’s and ‘B’s.
- For the initial assessment and the first, second, third and fourth quarter
evaluations, follow the markings as indicated in the profile.

Assess the person keeping the following points in mind.

 If the person can perform the behavior mark ‘A’
 If no additional training is required for the person to perform the behavior, mark ‘A’.
If the behavior is too simple and consequently inappropriate, mark ‘A’

Example: Offers little or no resistance while being washed.

A person who is able to wash himself would be marked ‘A’ for this item.

 If the person cannot perform the behavior mark ‘B’.

 If additional training is required for the person to perform the behavior mark ‘B’
 If the person cannot perform the behavior due to physical handicap or absolutely
had no opportunity to perform the behavior mark ‘B’.

Example: Travels by public bus to and from destination. A person who lives in an area
without public transportation would be marked ‘B’ for this item.

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 Observe the behavior directly or consult with some one who has observed.
Assessment is based on direct –observation-yours or some one else’s. Most of the
behaviors will occur in routine daily life where you can easily observe.
However, some behaviors will not take place where you can see them. Then you must
either:

Consult with other people such as a teacher, employer, parent, doctor or social worker
who may have directly observed the person’s behavior in another setting or if all else
fails:-

Make your decision based on all evidence that is available to you.

Don’t read between the lines or make guesses. Item means only what it says.

Sits quietly at a table for two minutes. This means that the person sits at any table and
acts in a quiet way for two minutes. The person may be doing some other activity at
the same time such as reading playing a game or eating. The item does not limit the
activity to just sitting nor does the item specify the kind of table.

Do not give assistance unless so stated.

Example: Selects correct sizes and styles of clothing at a store.

The person must select the clothing with out assistance to be marked ‘A’

If there is no possibility to observe certain behaviors in a natural setting, then you may
construct or simulate a setting. However simulation is permitted only for items in the
following scales:

Scale 1, Gross Motor

Scale 2, Fine Motor
Scale 5, Grooming
Scale 8, Expressive Language
Scale 10, Reading
Scale 11, Writing
Scale 12, Numbers
Scale 13, Time
Scale 14, Money
Scale 18, Vocational

Example: Unscrews jar or bottle lid.

If you have not observed this behavior give the person a jar or bottle with a lid on it
and ask “Please unscrew the lid”.

To simulate conditions in these domains use Adaptive Behavioral Assessment Kit-

ABAK.
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In summary, as an Aid to programme planning the component parts of the MDPS *
could be used.

The component parts of the MDPS include:

 The Behavioral Scales.
 The Behavioral profile with the identifying information from and the quarterly
programme progress report.
 The individualized programme plan forms which include:
Priority Goal Statement Form
Quarterly Programme Plan Form
Problem Behavior Form

* ABAK – Adaptive Behaviour Assessment Kit.

MDPS – ALTERNATE FORM

There are two reasons for using the MDPS – AF (l) if the person to be assessed is
very young or very disabled and has an extremely limited repertoire of behaviors or (2)
if the person being assessed has scored ‘B’ on the first three items in three of the first
five scales on the MDPS Behavioral Scales.

Administer all items on this form

Alternate Forms can be obtained from the publishers.

See Madras Developmental Programming System. Training materials for

individualized programme planning.

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MDPS – BEHAVIORAL SCALES

I. GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

1. Holds head erect when in sitting or standing position (body may be supported by
a person or prop).

2. Holds head up for 5 seconds when lying on stomach.

3. Sits without support.
4. Rolls over on flat surface from back to stomach or stomach to back.
5. Moves from lying on stomach to a sitting position.
6. Creeps or crawls about a room containing furnitures and / or other people.
7. Pulls self to standing position using person or prop for support.
8. Stands unsupported.
9. Walks 5 feet (may use braces or crutches)
10. Crawls forward and backward
11. Walks upstairs and downstairs putting both feet on such step (may use wall or
handrail for support)

12. Walks a straight line for 10 feet

13. Pushes or pulls a wagon-type object while walking 10 feet.
14. Runs
15. Squats
16. Walks upstairs and downstairs, alternating feet (may use wall or handrail for
support).

17. Jumps up both feet off the floor at once.

18. Climbs up and down a ladder one rung at a time.
19. Stands on tip toe for 10 seconds
20. Rides a bicycle (without training wheels) for 30 seconds swims.
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2. FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT:

1. Closes hand around an object placed in hand.

2. Reaches for and grasps objects.
3. Uses both hands at the same time when handling an object.
4. Picks up small objects using thumb and fingers only.
5. Carries a paper cup without crushing, tipping or spilling.
6. Turns a door-knob and opens the door.
7. Makes a stack of 3 cans, or tiffin carrier or wooden blocks.
8. Uses a spoon to stir food or drink.
9. Strings three one – inch beads or spools onto a string.
10. Unscrews a jar or bottle lid.
11. Pours liquid from a pitcher into another container without spilling.
12. Tears off a perforated sheet.
13. Cuts with in 1 / 8 inch of a straight line drawn on paper using scissors.
14. Places a key in a lock and opens the lock.
15. Cuts out a circle with in 1 / 8 inch of a line drawn on paper using scissors.
16. Folds a letter to fit an envelope and inserts letter into envelope.
17. Seals envelope with letter enclosed and puts on a stamp.
18. Uses a screw driver to insert or remove screws.
19. Strikes a safety match within 2 tries.
20. Threads a medium sized sewing needle within 2 tries.

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3. EATING

1. Swallows soft foods that do not require chewing

2. Drinks without spilling from a glass or cup with assistance.
3. Picks up food with fingers and puts food in mouth.
4. Uses spoon / hand to pick up and eat food (need not be skillfull).
5. Chews solid food
6. Picks up a glass and drinks from it without spilling.
7. Eats a complete meal with little or no spilling ( may use only fingers and spoon).
8. Drinks from a drinking water tap using hand.
9. Uses fingers to pick up and eat food.
10. Waits in line and carries a tray in a dining facility.
11. Eats supervised in public without calling attention to eating behavior
12. Eats Idli/Dosai/Puri/Roti (uses fingers to make bits.)
13. Eats a complete meal with little or no spilling using all normal dishes and utensils.
14. Eats porridge or pasayam from a plate using a spoon or fingers.

15. Takes proper portions when food is offered.

16. Displays table manners such us politely asking for food to be passed.
17. Serves self in a family-style setting.
18. Selects and requests food from a limited menu by telling choice to person
responsible for delivery.

19. Selects a nutritious and complete meal when variety of foods are available.
20. Orders and eats in public dining facility.

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4. DRESSING:

1. Offers little or no resistance while being dressed and undressed.

2. Extends and withdraws arms and legs while being dressed and undressed.
3. Removes slip-over shirt.
4. Removes socks, underpants, unzips outer pants and unbuttons shirt / dress.
5. Undresses self completely (may need help with belt or bra).
6. Puts on underpants, slip-over shirt or dress outer pants and socks.
7. Puts on a jacket / Kurta (need not fasten).
8. Unzips clothing with front zippers.
9. Dresses self completely except for fastenings such as buttons, zippers, ties, or
hooks.

10. Puts shoes on correct feet.

11. Buttons clothing
12. Starts and closes a front zipper.
13. Ties a bow knot in shoe laces.
14. Laces shoes with a lace in each eyelet.
15. Puts on and takes off ties, scarves, belts, watches or jewelery.
16. Puts on outer ware without reminder in response to cold or rain.
17. Selects clothing for seasonal and weather conditions and different occasions.
18. Selects correct size, type and style of clothing at a store.
19. Wears Dhoti ( Half saree / Lungi.)
20. Wears Dhoti / Saree and manages the whole day.

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5. GROOMING

1. Offers little or no resistance while being washed.

2. Turns head and extends hands while being washed.
3. Puts hands under running water for washing.
4. Dries or blots hands with a towel.
5. Begins brushing motion for cleaning teeth.
6. Wipes face with a wet wash-cloth including fore-head, cheeks, nose and chin.
7. Wipes nose with an arm, hand, when nose is running.
8. Soaps and rinses hands.
9. Bathes in a tap or shower.
10. Runs a comb or brush through hair with several strokes.
11. Blows nose in a handkerchief.
12. Soaps and rinses arms and upper body.
13. Uses tooth-paste or tooth powder, brushes teeth and rinses mouth.
14. Dries entire body with a towel after bathing.
15. Applies powder / deodorant.
16. Washes, rinses and dries hair.
17. Grooms hair including washing, drying, combing and curling (if appropriate).
18. Maintains self-clean, odor-free and groomed.
19. Cleans and clips finger nails with a nail clipper
20. Shaves (male) / manages during menstrual period (female).
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6. TOILETING

1. Stays dry for two hours.

2. Sits on the toilet for 30 seconds.
3. Eliminates when on the toilet (bowel or bladder).
4. Removes clothing before sitting on the toilet.
5. Goes to the bathroom with a reminder.
6. Has bowel control at night.
7. Has bowel control.
8. Replaces clothing before leaving the bathroom.
9. Removes clothing , sits on the toilet and eliminates and replaces clothing.
10. Has bowel and bladder control.
11. Indicates by gestures or words when needing to use the toilet.
12. Goes to the bathroom independently.
13. Uses only a urinal or toilet for urination.
14. Flushes the toilet after use.
15. Obtains help with any toileting problem
16. Cleans self using water.
17. Asks the location of the bathroom in new situations.
18. Closes door of bathroom for normal privacy in toileting.
19. Washes and dries hands after toileting.
20. Chooses the correct rest room in a public place.
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7. RECEPTIVE LANGUAGE:

1. Turns head towards the source of a sound.

2. Responds by eye contact or verbal acknowledgement when name is called.
3. Responds to the instruction “Look at me “ with 2 seconds of eye contact.
4. Obeys simple instructions such as, “Come here”
5. Performs the appropriate action when the word “me” is used such as “Give me the
ball”.

6. Stops an activity upon request such as “No” or “Stop”.

7. Sits quietely for 3 minutes while a story is being read.
8. Follows prepositions such as “Put the ball in the box“ or “Put the broom behind the
door”.

9. Responds to non verbal communications from others such as frowning, crying,

smiling etc., by returning the gesture or giving an appropriate verbal response.

10. Points to pictured objects in a book upon request.

11. Points to many common objects such as ball, spoon, etc. upon request.
12. Points to 10 body parts such as nose, eyes, mouth, etc., upon request.
13. Follows tow-step directions in order such as “Get the ball and close the door”.
14. Points to large and small objects upon request.
15. Identifies 3 colours out of a group of colours when asked, “Which colour is blue?
Red? Etc.,).

16. Follows three-step directions such as “stand-up, open the book and move the
chair.”

17. Follows verbal directions to get from building to building in a familiar setting.
18. After listening to a one-page story, answers “Yes” or “No” to specific questions
about it.

19. After listening to a one-page story, answers questions about it such as “What
happened first to Ram”?
 20. Summarises a TV / Radio program in own words.

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8. EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE:

1. Makes voice sounds.

2. Uses voice sounds to get attention.
3. Changes the tone and rhythm of voice sounds.
4. Stays or indicates “Yes” or “No” in response to questions.
5. Imitates five words heard either singularly or all at once.
6. Uses two-word phrases such as “Hello, Friend” “Go out” or “Eat biscuit”.
7. Says 20 words.
8. Names 10 common objects when asked, “What is this?”.
9. Says first and last name when asked.
10. Names 10 body parts when asked “What is this?”.
11. Uses phrases of four words.
12. Expresses feelings, desires or problems in complete sentences (subject – verb)
such as “I am hungry”.

13. Asks simple questions such as “What is this ?”, or Why can’t I?
14. Uses pronouns such as “I, you, he, her, me or mine” in a complete sentence.
15. Speaks in phrases or sentences clearly enough to be understood by some one not
familiar with the person.

16. Uses two-part sentences such as, “I saw Ram and I asked him to help me”.
17. Carries on a conversation with another person (s) for 10 minutes.
18. Says address of residence clearly when asked.
19. Describes past events in a logical order.
20. Tells jokes.
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9. SOCIAL INTERACTION:

1. Reacts when touched by reaching toward or moving away.

2. Looks toward or otherwise indicates a person in the immediate area.
3. Follows a person with eyes or otherwise responds to a person moving.
4. Spends time alone with toys or objects for 2 minutes.
5. Imitates arm movement such as clapping hands or waving goodbye.
6. Spends 5 minutes interacting with one or two other persons.
7. Identifies friends and acquaintances from strangers.
8. Waits for turn in a group.
9. Spends 10 minutes interacting with one or two other persons sitting at a table.
10. Follows directions from others.
11. Waits for 2 minutes for an object wanted.
12. Greets others upon meeting either verbally or with non – verbal friendly gestures.
13. Appears comfortable with members of the opposite sex in social situations.
14. Participates actively in social events by engaging in the same activity as the other
members of the group.

15. Says “Please” and “Thank you”.

16. Shares possessions with others.
17. Responds with and to proper social courtesies such as greetings, apologies or
compliments.

18. Uses things that belong to someone else only with their permission.
19. Invites others to participate in an activity such as going for a walk or going to a
movie.

20. Receives and makes local phone calls without assistance.

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10. READINESS AND READING:

1. Sits quietly at a table for 2 minutes.

2. Looks at objects presented when seated at a table.
3. Turns the pages of a book one at a time.
4. Points to 5 common objects when objects are named.
5. Identifies different sounds, such as bell ringing, hands clapping, whispering, keys
jingling.

6. Sorts 3 objects by shape.

7. Identifies 3 primary colours by naming them when an object of that colour is
presented.

8. Sorts pictures of similar and / or familiar objects into the same category such as
animals, people, vehicles.

9. Follows printed material left to right.

10. Selects 1 Printed letter from 3 when it is different such as “b. a, b”.
11. Reads out common words with 3 letters.
12. After seeing pairs of words such as “ put, pan” or “cat cat” indentifies which pairs
are the same.

13. Identifies / Reads alphabets from A to Z (may look at letters).

14. when shown 5 pictures arranged to tell a story and them mixed up, arranges them
again in sequence.

15. Reads the following words when shown on flash cards: “Stop, men, women,
danger, poison, exit.”

16. Reads aloud sentences with 5 common words.

 17. Reads a simple sentence and answers questions about it.
18. Reads a story to others.
19. Reads for information or entertainment.
20. Reads a simple story silently and states its main idea.

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11. WRITING:

1. Grasps chalk, pencil or crayon

2. Scribbles with chalk, pencil or crayon.
3. Grasps chalk, pencil or crayon with thumb, index finger and middle finger.
4. Imitates someone moving hand from left to right across a page.
5. Marks on a chalk-board or paper in circles and lines.
6. Traces with pencil or crayon along a three- inch straight line with 1 / 8 inch
tolerance on either side.

7. Traces with pencil or crayon around the outside of a six-inch circular object in a
continuous motion.

8. Copies with a pencil a three-inch straight line with 1/8 inch tolerance on either side.

9. Draws an X with an example to look at.

10. Draws a circle with no example to look at.

11. Draws a line connecting 3 dots on a piece of paper.

12. Copies upper and lower case alphabets with examples to look at.

13. Writes or prints first and last name with no example to look at.

14. Writes or prints legibly (readably).

15. Stays on the lines when printing or writing.

16. Copies a printed sentence legibly including all the punctuations and capital letters.
 17. Copies a paragraph legibly on to an 8-1/2 by 11 inch sheet of lined paper writing
on the lines.

18. Writes or prints dictated words.

19. Writes or prints dictated sentences legibly, including capitalization and

punctuations.

20. Writes or prints personal letters for mailing using legible handwriting in an informal
letter style.
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12. NUMBERS:

1. Separates one object from a group upon the request, “give me one block”, etc.

2. Creates order out of a group of objects by lining up, stacking, or placing them in
some other pattern.

3. Repeats 2 numbers in the order given.

4. Points to the short or long line when asked.

5. Chooses the correct number of objects up to 5 upon request “Give me one block
etc.”

6. Counts to 10.

7. Indicates the difference between “more” and “less” when shown two different sized
groups of objects.

8. Matches equal numbers up to 5, of different kinds of objects such as 2 biscuits with

2 shoes.

9. Names the printed number symbols 1 through 10.

10. Follows directions to fill a glass half full.

11. Repeats 5 single-digit numbers in the order given.

12. Places the printed number symbols 1 through 10 in order.

13. Prints the number symbol 1 through 10 .

14. Counts from 10 to 20.

 15. Matches the printed number symbols 1 through 10 with the correct number of
objects.

16. Adds single digit numbers with sums up to 10 such as 7+2, 2+1 or 8+0.

17. Prints the number symbols from 1 to 100 in order.

18. Subtracts single digit numbers up to 10 such as 9-1. 3-1 or 5-3.

19. Uses the concept of carrying in addition and borrowing in subtraction.

20. Multiplies and divides single and double digit numbers up o 20.

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13. TIME:

1. Associates the time of the day with activities such as meals or bed time.

2. Responds to “now”, “later”, “hurry”, and “wait”.

3. Answers correctly when asked, “Is it day or night”

4. Answers correctly when asked “Is it morning or afternoon?”.

5. Indicates own age vocally, with fingers or by writing.

6. Understands the difference between yesterday, today and tomorrow.

7. Names or identifies the 7 days of the week.

8. Answers correctly when asked “what day of the week is today”.

9. Names or identifies the numbers on the clock.

10. Names or identifies the seasons of the year.

11. Names or identifies the 12 months of the year.

12. Answers correctly when asked “what month and year is it now?”

13. Tells or identifies birth-date, month, day and year.

14. Indicates the passage of 5 minutes on a clock.

15. Sets a clock to within one hour of the correct time after hearing the correct time.
 16. Indicates the passage of 5 minutes, give or take 2 minutes, without the use of a
clock.

17. Tells time to the minute on a clock or watch.

18. Sets a clock or watch to within one minute of the correct time after hearing the
correct time.

19. Meets a particular scheduled bus.

20. Arrives on time for an appointment made one week in advance.

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14. MONEY:

1. Sort coins from other small metal objects.

2. Uses money to buy things (might not use correct amount).

3. Selects a rupee note from other paper objects.

4. Sorts mixed coins into groups of 5p. 10p. 20p. 25p. 50p. Re.1 and Rs.2.

5. Selects 5p. 10p. 25p. and 50p. coins from a group of coins.

6. Saves money such as in a “Piggy Bank” (Money Box).

7. Identifies 1, 2, 5 and 10 Rupee notes by naming them when asked.

8. Rank orders 5p. 10p. 20p. 25p and50p. coins in order of value.

9. Exchanges 5p. coins for a 50 paise coin.

10. Makes purchases at local stores.

11. Exchanges 5, 10 paise coins for one rupee.

12. Exchanges 4, 25 paise coins for Re.1.

13. Exchanges the correct number of mixed coins for 25 paise.

14. Exchanges the correct number of mixed coins for 50 p.

 15. Exchanges the correct number of mixed coins for 1 Rupee.

16. Saves money in a bank account.

17. Counts the change from a purchase of 1 Rupee or less.

18. Gives an adequate amount of money for purchases over 1 Rupee and counts the
change.

19. Counts the change from a purchase of 5 Rupees or less.

20. Uses a checking account.

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15. DOMESTIC BEHAVIOUR:

1. Picks up household trash or litter and places it in a waste basket upon request.

2. Puts away personal items in the proper location upon request.

3. Puts dirty clothing and clean clothing in the appropriate places.

4. Makes bed.

5. Damp-wipes a kitchen or classroom table.

6. Folds clothing and puts it away in a drawer.

7. Dusts a floor with a dust mop.

8. Sweeps a floor with a broom, picks up sweepings in a dust pan and empties the
pan.

9. Dusts furniture, leaving no dust on flat surfaces.

10. Sets a table for lunch (need not be a formal setting).

11. Washes and dries dishes by hand.

12. Wet mops a floor.

13. Shovels sand or rakes leaves, leaving the surface clean.

14. Operates a grinder, mixie or grinding stone.

15. Uses a cooker and knows when to take it off from the fire.

16. Prepares coffee or tea.

17. Buys the necessary things needed for cooking.

18. Washes dries and irons clothes.

19. Does simple mending such as sewing on buttons or rejoining broken seams using
needle and thread or machine.

20. Prepares and serves a meal including one hot dish.

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