Independence looks different for everyone. For one person, independence might mean the ability to leave the house on their own, while for another, it might mean completing daily tasks with minimal assistance. Ultimately, independence is about agency and the right to determine one's own path.
As children with autism grow into teenagers and adults, they begin to assign their own meanings to independence. Establishing daily living skills can help autistic teens and adults reach their goals of independent living and participate more confidently in the communities they are part of.
What are “Daily Living Skills”?
Put simply, daily living skills (DLS) are the practical skills that people use to navigate their day-to-day lives independently. They are also referred to as activities of daily living (ADLs). Broadly, both terms describe activities foundational to self-care and independent living.
A few examples of these skills are:
- Personal Care: Brushing teeth, Bathing/Showering, Dressing, Restroom use
- Home Care: Making one’s bed, Doing Laundry, Organizing one’s Living Space, Washing Dishes
- Food Preparation: Cooking simple meals, Following food safety guidelines, Using kitchen appliances safely
- Health and Safety: Remembering medications, Refilling prescriptions, Recognizing and acting upon emergent situations
Daily Living Skills in Individuals with ASD & Other IDDs
Though all people develop daily living skills at different rates, individuals with autism may experience unique challenges and therefore require unique teaching approaches. Research suggests that ASD can have an adverse impact on everyday independence from a young age, resulting from factors like:
- Executive functioning challenges
- Sensory Sensitivities
- Communication Differences
- Anxiety regarding unfamiliarity
- Preference for Routines
Adolescence Can Be Crucial for Developing Daily Living Skills
Focusing on developing independent living goals and daily living skills is particularly important for autistic teens as they transition to young adulthood. In doing so, schools, families, and service providers can help develop skills that support employment, community participation, higher education, and, in some cases, independent living.
It is important to note that every autistic individual has different strengths and goals. Independence should always be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, never through the lens of comparisons with peers.
Daily Living Skill Activities & Resources to Support Independence
The most effective daily living skill (DLS) activities combine the following:
- Repetition. Repeatedly doing certain activities can create lasting routines.
- Visual Supports. Visual reminders of routines and expectations can establish expectations and support lasting memory.
- Predictable Routines. Scheduling routines alongside one another can better support long-term implementation.
- Breaking Larger Tasks into more Manageable ones. Taking tasks step by step can help ensure your loved one doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
Now that we’ve reviewed the core tenets of effective daily living skills, let's take a look at a few strategies you can implement.
Build Visual Checklists
Checklists are especially effective because they both provide consistency and reduce memory demands. Consider checklists that can be visually marked as complete, such as laminated printouts, dry-erase boards, or digital note-taking applications.
Some examples of checklists include:
- Morning routine checklist
- Lunch packing checklist
- Laundry checklist
- Grocery store checklist
Use Flashcards and Worksheets
Flashcards and worksheets provide visual cues, allow for repetition, and reinforce routines while developing academic skills such as vocabulary. You can either create your own or purchase them premade through sites like Etsy.
Some examples of instances where you can use flashcards and worksheets include:
- Hygiene steps
- Cooking safety
- Financial skills
- Household chores
Make Routines Approachable
Breaking routines into smaller steps can make them far more approachable for people with IDDs. Websites like Goblin Tools can break a given task into individual steps. Even better, this tool’s “spiciness” setting lets you customize the level of detail for each step, and each step can be broken down further.
For example, a task like “do laundry” would become:
- Gather dirty clothing
- Separate colors
- Add detergent
- Start washer
- Move clothes to the dryer
- Fold clothes
- Put clothes away
Breaking large tasks into smaller chunks can reduce overwhelm and encourage your loved one to initiate tasks on their own.
Practice Routines with Technology
Technology can help make your routines stick. Consider using built-in tools, such as your phone’s reminder system, to help your loved one stay on track.
If you’re looking for more specialized routine tracking, there are plenty of apps available. For instance, the Routinery app allows your loved one to create or select their own custom routines and provides step-by-step walkthroughs with on-screen timers. This can help ensure they don’t spend too long on one task, thereby keeping them moving throughout their remaining routines.
For CA Residents, SDP Can Support the Development of Daily Living Skills
Emphasizing routine, approachability, and predictability can help you provide necessary support as your autistic teenager or adult develops their daily living skills. Focusing on creating long-lasting daily living skills can help your autistic teenager or adult reach their own goals for independence.
Remember that support can come from a wide range of sources. If you’re a California resident, the Self Determination Program can help your autistic teen or adult reach their goals for independence by providing them greater agency and flexibility. An SDP could help your family pay for or access resources like:
- Life Skills classes
- Independent Living Programs
- ABA Therapy / General Therapy
Interested in the Self Determination Program, but unsure where to start? NeuroNav can help! NeuroNav’s independent facilitation services can help you and your family understand SDP options, find qualified providers, and navigate the approval process.
Want to learn more? Schedule a free consultation today.
