What do anecdotal records provide?

Anecdotal records provide a description of behavior in natural situations, capturing specific instances of behavior as they occur in real time. These records are essentially brief, narrative accounts that document observations made in everyday settings, allowing the observer to note significant behaviors, interactions, or events as they unfold. Since anecdotal records are grounded in actual experiences rather than hypothetical scenarios or standardized assessments, they serve as valuable tools for understanding how individuals behave in their natural environment. This approach allows practitioners to gain insights into a person's abilities, preferences, and challenges in a way that reflects their typical behavior, making it a key component of assessment and planning in therapeutic and educational contexts.