Adaptive Functioning

Adaptive behavior is broadly defined as a set of behaviors or skills that make up an individual’s personal and social competence and allow the individual to meet the natural and social demands of their environment. An individual’s adaptive behavior refers to how well she meets the standards of independence expected for her age group, gender, culture, and setting. Each individual’s adaptive functioning is influenced by many factors, including her intellectual ability, motivation, personality, social opportunities, education, physical abilities, and cultural experiences.

Adaptive behavior must be considered within a developmental context as it is related to age and environment. Skills expected at age 4 are considerably different than skills expected at age 14. Adaptive functioning typically increases as one gets older, learns more skills, and is exposed ...