While IQ tests measure thinking abilities, adaptive functioning looks at how someone actually manages real life. This is often more important for understanding what support someone needs.
The Three Key Areas
- Conceptual Skills (Thinking and Academic) This includes:
- Memory and language abilities
- Reading, writing, and basic maths
- Problem-solving in everyday situations
- Understanding concepts like time and money
- Following directions and routines
- Making decisions and showing good judgement
- Social Skills (Getting Along with Others) This covers:
- Making and keeping friendships
- Understanding social rules and expectations
- Recognising and expressing emotions appropriately
- Showing empathy and understanding others’ perspectives
- Planning and participating in social activities
- Using appropriate communication in different settings
- Practical Skills (Daily Living) This encompasses:
- Personal care (washing, dressing, grooming)
- Household tasks (cleaning, cooking, laundry)
- Money management and shopping
- Using public transport safely
- Maintaining health and taking medication
- Following workplace or school responsibilities
- Staying safe in the community
What Challenges Might You Notice?
Conceptual Domain Red Flags:
- Making the same mistakes repeatedly without learning from them
- Difficulty weighing up options to make decisions
- Struggling to find alternative solutions when the first approach doesn’t work
- Having trouble learning new skills or applying knowledge to different situations
- Getting confused by multiple instructions given at once
- Not understanding concepts of time (past, present, future)
- Difficulty with money (giving correct change, understanding value)
- Missing jokes or taking things too literally
- Not knowing where to start tasks or jumping between activities
- Getting very upset when routines change
- Always seeming “one step behind” in conversations or activities
Social Domain Concerns:
- Not engaging with peers of the same age
- Having interests that seem much younger than their age
- Difficulty seeing things from other people’s perspectives
- Being easily manipulated or taken advantage of by others
- Not using leisure time productively
- Having limited ways to cope with stress or problems
- Struggling with changes or unexpected situations
- Seeming much younger than their actual age in social situations
- Missing social cues and unwritten social rules
Practical Domain Difficulties:
- Needing help with basic self-care tasks
- Unable to access the community independently
- Can’t use public transport safely
- Difficulty managing money or making purchases
- Needing a public trustee to manage finances
- Unable to find or keep appropriate employment
- Acting without considering consequences
- Behaving in unsafe ways
- Not knowing when or how to ask for help
- Unable to maintain a household
- Not eating balanced, healthy meals
Final thoughts
If you notice these challenges in daily living, consider booking an assessment with Psychological Assessments to gain personalised insights and support for you or your loved one.
