Definition - What does adaptive behavior mean?
Adaptive behavior is defined as the cumulative skills a person develops in response to social and community expectations. These are the behaviors that are necessary for the individual to function in society. Adaptive behaviors include conceptual, social and practical skills.
SureHire explains adaptive behavior
The term adaptive behavior is used to identify the skills that an individual is able to perform which allow him or her to live independently and integrate into society as a member of a larger community. For some individuals, adaptive behaviors such a social and life management skills must be taught. Through various circumstances, some individuals may lack these necessary adaptive behaviors and be unable to acquire them. In such instances, the individual may require accommodations to help compensate for the lack of necessary skills. Examples of adaptive behaviors include the ability to count money, read directions, and interpret facial expressions. Maintaining person hygiene, cooking, self-care and other necessary daily activities are also examples of adaptive behaviors.
