Daily living skills are essential abilities that everyone needs to manage daily life independently and efficiently. These skills include personal hygiene, cooking, managing finances, public transportation, socializing, shopping, and a multitude of other skills you use every day, likely without even thinking about it.
For individuals on the autism spectrum, mastering these skills is particularly important, as they are less likely to intuitively pick up on tasks by observing others. Instead, autistic young adults typically require explicit and direct instruction to learn these vital skills.
These skills are for more than just daily functionality. They are crucial for building self-esteem, fostering independence, and reducing reliance on family members. As autistic individuals transition into adulthood, these abilities impact the way in which they will live. If we want them to be able to live on their own, they must learn these daily living skills first.
- Teaching the “Whys” of Daily Tasks
For many individuals on the autism spectrum, understanding the rationale behind daily tasks can significantly boost their motivation. For example, explaining why personal hygiene is important for your health, or how managing money wisely can help you with your long-term goals, can make the skills more relevant. By making clear the practical applications and benefits of these life skills, autistic young adults are more likely to appreciate and commit to mastering them.
- Role-Playing and Social Practice
Social interactions are often intertwined with daily activities. Often, if an autistic individual does not feel comfortable with the social interaction, they might choose to avoid the activity or task altogether. Practicing scenarios through role-playing can prepare young adults for real-life interactions, whether it’s buying a bus ticket or interacting with a cashier. Equipped with the ability to handle social interactions successfully, they will be more willing and motivated to accomplish tasks independently.
- Use Visual Aids and Schedules
Visual aids like checklists, schedules, and step-by-step guides help to provide structure for young adults with autism to navigate their day. These tools help reinforce routines and reduce anxiety about the unknown. They also promote independence by clarifying the expectations and breaking the tasks into manageable steps. By using personalized visual aids, individuals can better follow routines on their own.
- Model Executive Functioning
Demonstrating daily management activities such as planning a shopping trip, managing time, handling money, or even organizing daily tasks can offer a visual example from which a young adult can learn. Consistently explain what you are doing and why you are doing it as you move about your day, such as why you are choosing certain items at the store or why you chose to budget your time in a specific way. Watching you complete these tasks with accompanying explanations of them will encourage autistic young adults to complete them on their own in the future.
- Break Down Into Smaller Skills
Daily living tasks at first can seem overwhelming and complex. To make them more manageable, break each task down into smaller increments, taught one at a time. For example, teaching how to prepare a simple meal might involve steps like gathering ingredients, following a recipe, and cleaning up afterward. Make sure each part of the process is clearly understood before moving onto the next one.
Building independence through daily living skills is a fundamental part of the journey towards adulthood for young adults with autism. At the Gersh Experience day program, we are committed to providing a supportive, educational environment where these skills are taught, practiced, and mastered.
For more information on how we can support your young adult as they transition into adulthood, contact us here.
Resources:
https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/daily-living-skills-a-key-to-independence-for-people-with-autism
