This study examined similarities and differences in general adaptive skills of typical adolescents and adolescents with ODD, CD and co-morbid ODD-CD. Also the effects of gender and age were studied...Show moreThis study examined similarities and differences in general adaptive skills of typical adolescents and adolescents with ODD, CD and co-morbid ODD-CD. Also the effects of gender and age were studied. Participants were recruited via regular/special primary and secondary schools in the Netherlands. The sample consists of 374 adolescents between 12 and 18 years old. The disorders of the children were classified by the ODD/CD-symptoms ratings of parents. Parents further were asked to fill in an experimental questionnaire measuring general adaptive skills in youth. Results show that adolescents with ODD and CD have fewer adaptive skills than their typical peers, in the following areas: contact with peers, contact with parents, adults and authority, school/work and future, autonomy and self-directedness. The adaptive skills of youth with co-morbid ODD and CD were the least developed. The adaptive skills of adolescents with only ODD and only CD did not differ significantly. Here the least developed skills related to ‘autonomy and self-directedness’. Gender and age do not affect the levels of adaptive skills.Show less