Summarizes the critical role that adaptive behavior has played in the definition of mental retardation, and overviews recent work in the conceptualization of the construct of adaptive behavior. Reviews various measurement strategies for assessing adaptive behavior, and examines the role that culture plays in definition and use of the adaptive behavior construct. Demonstrates how a clear understanding of adaptive skills, combined with prosthetic devices, can be used to enhance adaptive behavior and involvement in communities, and relates the changing conception of adaptive behavior to the changing conception of intelligence. The editors are affiliated with Hastings College and with the American Association on Mental Retardation. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less