DABS LIMITATION:
1) Subjectivity in Reporting:
The accuracy of the assessment depends on the reliability and honesty of the respondents (parents, teachers, caregivers). Their perceptions and biases can influence the results .
2)Training Requirements:
Proper administration and interpretation of the DABS require specific training and expertise. This might limit its use in settings where trained professionals are not available .
3)Time-Consuming:
The comprehensive nature of the DABS means that it can be time-consuming to administer, which might not be practical in some settings .
4)Focus on Deficits:
The scale primarily focuses on identifying deficits in adaptive behavior, which might overlook strengths and positive attributes of the individual .
Sources:
- Schalock, R. L., Borthwick-Duffy, S. A., Bradley, V. J., Buntinx, W. H. E., Coulter, D. L., Craig, E. M., Gomez, S. C., Lachapelle, Y., Luckasson, R., Reeve, A., Shogren, K. A., Snell, M. E., Spreat, S., Tassé, M. J., Thompson, J. R., Verdugo, M. A., Wehmeyer, M. L., & Yeager, M. H. (2010). Intellectual Disability: Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports (11th ed.). American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).
- Tassé, M. J., Schalock, R. L., Balboni, G., Bersani, H., Borthwick-Duffy, S. A., Spreat, S., & Thissen, D. (2012). The construct of adaptive behavior: Its conceptualization, measurement, and use in the field of intellectual disability. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 117(4), 291-303.
- Harrison, P. L., & Oakland, T. (2003). Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II (ABAS-II). Western Psychological Services.
- American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). (2010). Diagnostic Adaptive Behavior Scale (DABS).
- Wehmeyer, M. L., & Shogren, K. A. (2017). Handbook of Positive Psychology in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Translating Research into Practice. Springer.
- Tassé, M. J., Schalock, R. L., Thompson, J. R., & Wehmeyer, M. L. (2005). Guidelines for adaptive behavior assessment: A review of 'Adaptive Behavior and Skills'. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 40(4), 458-468.
- Luckasson, R., & Schalock, R. L. (2013). Standards to guide the use of clinical judgment in the field of intellectual disability. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 51(2), 77-80.
- Brown, I., & Percy, M. (2007). A Comprehensive Guide to Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
- Thompson, J. R., Tassé, M. J., & McLaughlin, J. (2008). The Supports Intensity Scale: Measuring Supports Needs to Improve Support Delivery for People with Intellectual Disability. Springer.
- Karslake, S., & Braddock, D. (2008). The State of the States in Developmental Disabilities. American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).