Optimizing Self-Sufficiency and Independence Through Adaptive Behavior

Adaptive behavior encompasses a broad range of practical skills that are necessary for everyday self-sufficiency. In neurotypical development, these skills are naturally acquired and applied to daily contexts and routines as life demands each behavior. In autism, however, these behaviors often need to be explicitly taught, practiced, and generalized across contexts even for individuals who have strong cognitive, language, and academic abilities. In the absence of direct instruction, delays in adaptive functioning lead to poor adult outcomes in that autistic individuals fail to achieve levels of self-sufficiency in holding down jobs, living independently, having successful relationships, and otherwise feeling fulfilled. This is despite the fact that the majority of autistic adults currently have no cognitive or language impairments, and thus, they have the capacity to be more successful than research shows. All autistic individuals, regardless of levels of functioning, have the right to optimize their potential. For this reason, enhanced focus on fostering adaptive behavior is critical during the school-age years to ensure that adolescents and adults achieve success in life.