Adaptive Behavior (Life Skills)
Life Skills
The second defining feature of intellectual disabilities (ID, formerly mental retardation) is the limited development of life skills.
- These important skills enable us to live in a safe and socially responsible manner.
- They are collectively referred to as adaptive functioning.
Adaptive Functioning
Adaptive functioning is affected by three basic skill sets:
- ConceptualThis includes reading, numbers, money, time, and communication skills.
- SocialThese skills help us to get along well with others. These skills include understanding and following social rules and customs; obeying laws, and detecting the motivations of others in order to avoid victimization and deception.
- Practical Life SkillsThese are the skills needed to perform the activities of daily living. This includes feeding, bathing, dressing, occupational skills, and navigational skills.
Standardized Testing
Problems in adaptive functioning are identified by using standardized tests.
- These tests compare an individual’s score with the average score for the general population.
- Problems are indicated when a person’s score is below the score of 97.5% of the population. However, some people may score above these levels and still meet the criteria for an intellectual disability.
- There is now a greater emphasis on adaptive functioning.
- These changes affect eligibility for social security disability benefits.
The assessment of adaptive functioning is very important. This is because it identifies the supports needed to help someone optimize their functioning. Supportive rehabilitation is included at the end of this article.
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Further Reading
The content on this page was originally from MentalHelp.net, a website we acquired and moved to MentalHealth.com. This content has not yet been fully updated to meet our content standards and may be incomplete. We are committed to editing, enhancing, and medically reviewing all content by September 30, 2025.
MentalHealth.com is a health technology company guiding people towards self-understanding and connection. The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.