OBJECTIVE: To explore the differences in adaptive behaviours between epileptic children and nonepileptic children. METHODS: Adaptive behaviours were studied in 42 children with epilepsy and 42 healthy children(control group), aged between 3 and 12 years. RESULTS: ①Adaptive Quotient(ADQ) in the epileptic children was obviously lower than that in the control group [(82.9±27.3) vs(103.0±14.6)](P < 0.05 ). The defects of adaptive behaviours in children with epilepsy were found in language develop ment, social responsibility and time*.spatial orientation. Significant differences were found in the independent factor [(70.0±14.4) vs(79.3±11.8);P < 0.05] and cognitive factor [(24.4±11.9) vs(35.7±8.3);P < 0.01] between the epileptic children and controls . The significant risk factors associated with the defects of adaptive behaviours in the epileptic children were the state of epilepsy, family relation, edu cational status of the parents, and social surroundings. CONCLUSIONS: Epileptic childr en are more prone to defects in adaptive behaviours. Psychological interv entions may improve the life quality of epileptic children.