A 40-item behavior analysis task, the Menstrual Care Scale, was developed and tested with 75 randomly selected institutionalized severely retarded women (13-59 years old). The need for developing personal care skills in menstruation habits had been identified as a priority area for sexuality instruction by staff and confirmed by analysis of residents' levels of independence in the area. Scores on the American Association on Mental Deficiency Adaptive Behavor Scale (ABS) were correlated with scores on the Menstrual Care Scale. Results revealed that relationships with the ABS Part I subscales (personal independence) were highly positive. However, relationships with Part II subscales (maladaptiive behaviors) were not nearly as strong. It was concluded that the Menstrual Care Scale is developmentally based and its task analysis format promotes instruction. (CL)