Adaptive Behavior Predicting Postschool Outcomes

Abstract

Adaptive Behavior The construct of adaptive behavior has been defined by both the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as the collection of conceptual, social, and practical skills that are learned and performed by people in their everyday lives. These three domains of adaptive behaviorconceptual, social, and practical skillshave been consistently identified through factor analytic work on adaptive behavior (Tassé et al. 2012). Conceptual skills refer to language abilities, reading and writing, numbers, time, and money concepts. Social skills include interpersonal skills, friendships, social participation, and social problem-solving. Practical skills encompass selfcare, activities of daily living, health and safety, ability to use transportation, etc.