Abstract: Adaptive behavior is attracting more and more attention and have become necessary basis of diagnosis and intervention of mental retardation. The definition of adaptive behavior have not unified yet, AAMR(2002) suggests that adaptive behavior is the skill of concept, society and use, the constraint of adaptive behavior will influence individual's daily life, and then life adaption. Approachs of mental retardation assessment include interviews, behavioral observations, functional assessment, quality of life assessment and sociometric techniques. No matter which approach is used in assessment, the goal is to improve lives of individuals with mental retardation, the limits of each approach should be considered, and, the assessment of individuals with mental retardation must contain all aspects.

Key words: mental retardation, adaptive behavior, assessment, review