Adaptive Behavior Scales

Adaptive Behavior Scales are used to assess different areas of daily living skills, such as communication skills, domestic skills, and community skills.  The scales are used primarily with individuals with low cognitive functioning.  Results may assist teams in determining qualification for services under mental retardation.  They may also help parents and teachers decide which life skills to work on.

The Adaptive Behavior Inventory (ABI) is an individually administered, norm-referenced scale that provides information about a child’s level of personal and social sufficiency.  The ABI is administered to someone with sufficient knowledge of the person being rated.  Scores are reported as standard scores, with average scores falling between 8 and 12.  An overall score, the ABI Composite Quotient, is reported as a scaled score with average scores falling between 90 and 109.

 The Adaptive Behavior Evaluation Scale- Revised (ABES-R), School and Home Editions are completed by the teacher and the parent.  The ABES-R is based on the concept of adaptive skills defined by the American Association on Mental Retardation.  

The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale- Second Edition  is an individually administered, norm-referenced scale that provides information about a child’s level of personal and social sufficiency.  The Vineland is administered to someone with sufficient knowledge of the person being rated.