Adaptive behavior scale differences in scores of mentally retarded individuals referred for institutionalization and...

Adaptive Behavior Scale profiles of 68 mentally retarded individuals referred for institutionalization were compared with a matched sample of retarded individuals who were never referred for institutionalization. A discriminant analysis identified the following six domains that, in combination, accounted for the significant differences between groups: Violent and Destructive Behavior, Sexual Aberrations, Hyperactivity, Antisocial Behavior, Physical Development, and Socialization. Implications for the effectiveness of an abbreviated ABS measure for diagnostic purposes and program planning in community and institutional settings were discussed.