What barriers do autistic people have?
People with autism frequently struggle with social skills, language and cognitive development and everyday self-care.
Most people want to be able to support themselves on their own, especially as they enter adulthood. Like their parents and carers, people with intellectual impairments and other illnesses like autism frequently desire to live as independently as possible.
Although some autistic children may never be able to live independently in full, parents frequently wish their children to learn as much as they can about everyday life skills, including caring for their bodies and performing simple domestic tasks.
Some essential life skills that all adults with autism need to learn.
Life skills can be categorized as follows:
- Safety and health
- profession and employment
- Self-determination/advocacy
- Socialization, communication, and peer interactions
- Participation in the community and personal finance
- Transportation
- Homemaking abilities
Teaching Autistic Children how to live Independently.
Our therapists may teach your kid adaptive skills in various ways, but one approach is “chaining.” Our therapists will individually guide your child through each phase, dissecting a behavior into its components. Your kid’s treatment team will add more links to the chain as your child gains mastery of each skill component until your child can complete the entire skill.
Family participation
The entire family should participate in learning independent living skills. Parents and other carers can benefit from natural teaching and reinforcing opportunities because these abilities are frequently employed at home.
Personalize Your Teaching Methodology
Even people with autism spectrum disorders have distinct personalities. The skills you should emphasize while promoting independent living will depend on your child’s particular requirements, capabilities, aspirations, and your own as well as their own. Make careful to tailor your teaching strategy to what will benefit your youngster.
Natural vs. Structured Approach
The method you use to teach independent living skills to a kid with autism might be structured or formal, more organic and fluid, or a combination of the two.
To demonstrate how to teach your child a skill in an organized manner, practice having them describe to you orally how to make a snack (such as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich) or have them arrange the steps when you show them to them in pictures or text.
Assessing Your Child’s Present Skills
It is beneficial to evaluate your child’s existing ability levels. Keep an eye on your kid and make a note of what they excel at and what they struggle with. Alternately, focus on a particular ability and determine which element your child needs more help with.
How to teach life skills at home to Autism people
By using a generic three-step methodology, you may test out many techniques to teach life skills at home:
- Evaluate the skills (i.e., identify the person’s weaknesses and strengths). A list of your strengths and areas for development will help you define your objectives and offer encouraging comments and assistance along the way.
- Encouragingly develop new abilities. When practicing new skills, using visual aids like charts and checklists may be a terrific way to offer guidance.
- Practice your new abilities. Always practice in situations similar to real life if you want to master a unique ability fully.
Utilizing Visual Aids to Teach Life Skills
Many autistic individuals benefit from visual assistance and signals. There are several beneficial solutions for life skills instruction. Making a visual tool that separates a challenging daily routine into manageable chores is a fantastic place to start.
Essential Skills for Independent Living
When the objective is to promote independent living, some of the skills that a child (or an adult) with autism should master include:
- Decision-making
- Self-evaluation (looking at one’s actions and how they affect one’s life)
- Communication
- Self-care abilities
- Essential academic competencies (such as reading, writing, and mathematics)
- control of oneself and the community
- Occupational competencies
- vital skills in daily life
What Does Adult Autism Independent Living Look Like?
Each adult with autism has a distinct idea of independent living. Depending on the severity of one’s symptoms, there are several “independent living” choices, such as independent living, assisted living, and supervised group living.
This route is not always straightforward. Supported living may benefit a loved one who has moved out but cannot yet live independently.
This will enable children to get the support and therapy they require during this time to accomplish important milestones.
Read More: What Is Life like As an Adult with Autism?