The Diagnostic Adaptive Behavior Scale® (DABS®) User's Manual provides essential preparation for using the DABS.

Adaptive behavior consists of conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills.

Designed for use with children between the ages of 4 - 21, the norm-referenced DABS interview provides a precise assessment of adaptive behavior for the purpose of determining whether the person meets one of the criteria necessary for a diagnosis of intellectual disability (ID). 

The DABS has a number of unique features that support its precision, accuracy, validity, and credibility in making a diagnosis of ID. The DABS:

• Measures some aspects of adaptive behavior that are not currently measured by other standardized instruments, including naiveté, gullibility, and technology-based skills.
• Uses item response theory (IRT) to reliably measure individual performance levels across the continuum of adaptive skills and ages.
• Provides precise information to assist users in determining significant limitations in adaptive behavior.

The User’s Manual includes a sample copy of the interview form. Bundle packs of interview forms are also available in the bookstore.

Because the DABS relies on IRT, it cannot be scored by hand, and requires a specially developed computer program for scoring. A complimentary, single-use voucher code for the scoring platform is included with the purchase of each manual.

AAIDD’s online scoring platform for the DABS provides reports for each assessment scored, there is a nominal fee for each use of the scoring platform ($1 per score). The scoring platform is accessed through single-use code(s) emailed to users immediately following their purchase in the bookstore.

Purchase a single code ($1)

Purchase a pack of 10 codes ($10)