FAQs

What are adaptive skills?

Adaptive skills, also called adaptive functioning skills, are the practical, everyday abilities that people need to live independently and function safely and effectively in daily life. These skills help individuals meet the demands of their environments—home, school, work, and community.

What skills are addressed?

Independent Living Skills:

  • Personal Care: Teaching consumers essential hygiene, grooming, and self-care routines.

  • Home Management: Skills in cooking, cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe and functional living space.

  • Personal Fitness and Nutrition: Skills in adaptive exercise for healthy living and nutrition that meet the needs of sensory-avoidant and picky eaters. 

  1. Community Integration:

    • Social Skills: Building effective communication, social interaction, and peer relationships.

    • Transportation Skills: Training on using public transportation, navigating routes, and safety in public spaces.

    • Financial Literacy: Basic budgeting, money management, and understanding the value of money.

  2. Self-Advocacy and Decision Making:

    • Teaching consumers how to make choices, set goals, and advocate for their own needs and preferences.

    • Encouraging consumers to participate actively in planning their services and life goals.

  3. Safety and Emergency Skills:

    • Personal Safety: Basic safety awareness, identifying hazards, and knowing when and how to ask for help.

    • Emergency Procedures: Understanding emergency protocols and how to respond appropriately in case of emergencies.

Who benefits from receiving adaptive skills training?

Adaptive skills training benefits anyone who needs support in developing the practical, social, and conceptual skills necessary for greater independence. However, it is especially helpful for the following groups:

1. Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

People with conditions such as:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Intellectual Disability (ID)

  • Down Syndrome

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Global Developmental Delay

These individuals may have deficits in one or more adaptive functioning areas and benefit from direct instruction and repetition.

2. Youth and Young Adults in Transition

  • Those transitioning out of high school or special education services

  • Preparing for adult life, work, or post-secondary education

  • Needing support with independent living, job readiness, or social relationships

3. Individuals with Mental Health Challenges

  • Especially those with serious mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

  • May struggle with maintaining routines, personal care, or social functioning

  • Training supports stability and integration into community settings

4. Older Adults with Cognitive Decline

  • Individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or age-related cognitive challenges

  • Helps maintain independence and quality of life through structured routines and safety awareness

5. People Recovering from Brain Injury or Stroke

  • May need to relearn basic life skills or social behavior

  • Adaptive skills training can be a core part of rehabilitation

6. Foster Youth or Individuals Aging Out of Care

  • May lack consistent adult guidance or skill modeling

  • Training helps them develop budgeting, meal prep, time management, and self-advocacy skills

7. Individuals Receiving Regional Center Services

In California, regional centers provide services to people with developmental disabilities. Adaptive skills training helps meet IPP goals (Individual Program Plan) and is a common service under the Self-Determination Program or traditional services.