Which of the following is a domain assessed to determine eligibility for ECI?

• A. Cognitive ability
• B. Hearing range
• C. Color preference
• D. Adaptive skills

Answer: (D)

Adaptive skills measure how a child handles daily living tasks and participates in routines. When there are significant delays in adaptive development, the child struggles with everyday activities—like self-care, communication in real-life contexts, social interaction, and safety. That functional impact on daily life is exactly what early intervention services aim to address, so adaptive skills stand out as the key domain for determining eligibility. While other areas like cognitive ability are part of overall assessment, adaptive skills best reflect the everyday support the child would need, making them the most informative domain for eligibility decisions.