Adaptive behavior scales are usually used to assess the "real world", "practical" intelligence and abilities of individuals who have scored low on intelligence tests.  By looking at behavior outside of the testing situation, they seek to verify that the person is indeed cognitively impaired.  Given the various court cases (Diana v. Calif. Bd. of Ed., Larry v. Riles), showing that intelligence test results may not be accurate in certain circumstances, it is important to determine how well an individual functions outside of the school building.

   The scales list a multitude of expected behaviors for various situations.  The rating forms assess the degree to which an individual's behavior meets expectations for various settings and social situations. The "questionnaires" are completed by individuals who are familiar with the person under consideration..
 
 

Definitions of Adaptive Behavior
1. The degree to which an individual meets the standards of:
     -personal independence and self sufficiency  (e.g., dressing oneself, eating, ability to use money well)
     -social responsibility (e.g., trustworthiness) and social interaction  with others (e.g., greets others, listens)
     -modifying one's behavior to fit varying environments

2. The ability to adjust to personal and social demands in the environment  (especially to changes within the environment).

3. A person's ability to deal effectively with personal demands and observe social expectations and restrictions.
 
 
 

Issues and Controversies Surrounding the Use of Adaptive Behavior Scales
     -Degree of relativity (whether a behavior is "appropriate" depends on many factors)
     -There may be subjectivity in the reports of those who are completing the forms.
                People differ in what they consider to be "correct" behavior in various situations.
     -There may be cultural, racial, religious, and age bias in the stated expectations for behavior.
    "Right" ways of acting sometimes differ between groups.
 

McIntyre, www.BehaviorAdvisor.com