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Definitions of Adaptive Behavior. “….the effectiveness or degree with which the individual meets the standards of personal independence and social responsibility” (Grossman, 1973; 1983) “Adaptive behavior is the way in which individuals adapt themselves to the requirements of their physical
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Definitions of Adaptive Behavior “….the effectiveness or degree with which the individual meets the standards of personal independence and social responsibility” (Grossman, 1973; 1983) “Adaptive behavior is the way in which individuals adapt themselves to the requirements of their physical and social environment” (Scmidt & Salvia, 1984) Doll’s 1953 definition, “the functional ability of the human organism for exercising personal independence and social responsibility “.
Adaptive Behavior • Not a new construct; earlier work (Doll, 1940’s, Heber, 1951). • Social Competence and adaptive behavior refer to the same construct. • A mandatory component in the classification of mental retardation and programming for mental retardation.
Adaptive Behavior 2 • Conceptions of Adaptive Behavior • Developmental • Environmental/Cultural Conditions • General Domains of Adaptive Behavior • Most instruments measure basic self-help skills (personal needs, avoiding dangers, moving about the environment independently, getting along with others. • For adults, there is agreement that adequate functioning includes independent functioning in the community and economic self-support.
Best Practices in Adaptive Behavior Assessment • Clarify purpose for assessment. • Match adaptive behavior assessments to the conception, purpose and target population • Adaptive Behavior should be considered in all multi-factored evaluations • Adaptive Behavior is the Central Theme in decisions about students who are mentally retarded.
Dilemmas in Assessment of Adaptive Behaviors: • Lack of internal consistency in existing instruments. • Poor norms. • Lack of inter-rater agreement.