Adaptive skills are practical, everyday skills needed to function and meet the demands of ones environment, including the skills necessary to effectively and independently take care of oneself and to interact with other people. These skills are essential for a child to master in order to be a successful adult. Adaptive skills are also known as "Activities of Daily Living" or ADLs. Examples of adaptive skills include bathing, getting dressed, cleaning up, toilet training, maintaining basic hygiene, navigating around town, keeping appointments, and showing up for work or school at the scheduled time.
Adaptive skills are important for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, ADHD, and other issues, as they may need direct instruction in adaptive skills to become independent adults. Adaptive skills training is an essential component for quality of life, success in the community, and community integration. Schools should address adaptive skill issues within the educational therapy model, and teachers can help support skills, particularly in consultation with occupational therapists.
In the workplace, adaptive skills are skills that individuals can develop to continue to grow and learn in their work environment. Examples of adaptive skills in the workplace include problem-solving, communication, teamwork, time management, and adaptability. Developing adaptive skills can help individuals become more successful in their careers and adapt to changes in the workplace.
