Year: 2023
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Adaptive behavior uncovered Measuring and understanding individual differences Adaptive behavior is not a new or trendy construct. On the contrary, it has been recognized in the field of intellectual disability since the beginning of the twentieth century. Initially, there was no clear distinction between intellectual and adaptive skills, but gradually they were described as two distinct constructs, both of which have been essential in the international definition and classification of intellectual disability since the 1960s (5th ed., AAMD, 1961). Currently, adaptive behavior is described as a set of conceptual, social, and practical skills that are learned and performed in everyday life. The development of adaptive behavior is strongly related to age of the individual concerned and the expectations of the context (Schalock et al., 2021). The first part of this doctoral dissertation addresses a pressing question in clinical practice, namely the lack of an instrument for measuring adaptive behavior in Flanders. The Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (3rd ed.; ABAS-3; Harrison & Oakland, 2015) was translated and standardized,- the psychometric properties studied, and subsequently published for use in Flanders and the Netherlands (Kreemers et al., 2020). Methodologically, this Dutch version of the ABAS-3 has come with innovative aspects, including the application of continuous norming and the development of guidelines for fair assessment. The second part of this dissertation investigated adaptive behavior in children, adolescents and emerging adults with intellectual disability and/or autism. Individual differences in adaptive behavior were investigated beyond the boundaries of diagnostic classifications. We found that individuals with the same diagnostic classification do not necessarily display the same adaptive profile. Moreover, we discovered a high degree of heterogeneity in adaptive profiles within the same diagnostic classification and a large degree of overlap across diagnostic classifications. This doctoral dissertation holds significant clinical relevance. The translation and standardization of the ABAS-3 for use in Flanders constitute a crucial step in the implementation of adaptive behavior in clinical practice. Furthermore, it emphasizes the impact of age and context on the development of adaptive behavior. Additionally, this doctoral research underscores the potential value of looking beyond diagnostic classifications to fully comprehend an individual's functioning and to effectively meet their needs. Through these studies, we hope to encourage clinical practice to incorporates not only a categorical perspective, which can be particularly useful in certain contexts, but also a transdiagnostic approach to adaptive behavior.
Source: Lirias
Author: Kreemers, Bea
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: KU Leuven, Vlaamse regering
OpenAlex ID: W6979758973