Changes in adaptive behavior of older adults with mental retardation following deinstitutionalization.

Changes in adaptive functioning of 32 older adults with mental retardation following deinstitutionalization were assessed. The Adaptive Behavior Scale was administered at two times (separated by 1.5 years) for these adults, who were transferred from a state-operated institution to an ICF-MR facility. An overall increase in both adaptive and maladaptive behavior was found. In addition, female residents and those with moderate/mild levels of retardation had higher levels of adaptive functioning than did males and those with severe levels of retardation. These findings extend previous research by focusing on the older segment of the mentally retarded population.