Adaptive Behavior of Subtypes of Learning Disabled Individuals

Abstract

Although there is ample literature concerning social skills of school-age learning disabled individuals, research clarifying the adaptive behavior characteristics of learning disabled children, youth, and adults is in its infancy. The learning disabled population frequently has been treated as a homogeneous group by researchers and practitioners. Awareness of the differences among subtypes of the population must be recognized before appropriate adaptive behavior assessment and instruction can be provided. For this paper, data from subtyping research were compiled from an adaptive behavior perspective, resulting in the identification of five subtypes of individuals currently receiving service in learning disability programs. Adaptive characteristics of each subtype are described and implications for assessment, programming, and intervention are provided.