The ADaptive Ability Performance Test (ADAPT): A new instrument for measuring adaptive skills in people with intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning.

The study used proxy ratings by caregivers or family members, so scores reflect observed behaviour in specific settings, not the client's potential or self-reported ability. The sample was from Dutch services and overrepresented men because of forensic hospitals, so it may not represent other countries or all people with intellectual disability. Most general population volunteers had no IQ scores, so the IQ-ADAPT relationship may be weaker than it would be if all groups had IQ data. Psychiatric diagnoses were taken as one overall category and their reliability was not checked, so findings about comorbidity are broad. The design is cross-sectional, so it cannot show whether low adaptive skills lead to more support or more support reduces independent skill performance. Only clients receiving care were compared with independently living volunteers, so it does not show how people in the general population with limited cognitive ability score.

Do not treat a low ADAPT score as proof that someone cannot learn a skill. The study used proxy ratings of observed behaviour, and low scores may reflect lack of opportunity, a restrictive living setting or current psychiatric symptoms rather than capacity.