Activities of Daily Living
What are activities of daily living and how can we develop children's independence?
Activities of daily living are the basic tasks we do every day to take care of ourselves like getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating, and using the bathroom. For children with autism and intellectual disabilities, learning these skills can be more challenging, but they're very important for independence. Each child learns at their own pace, and some may need more help than others. Teaching these skills often requires breaking them down into small, manageable steps. With patience, practice, and the right support, many children can improve their ability to handle daily tasks which can boost their confidence and increase their independence over time. The following tip sheets from ConnectAbility.ca target some daily living skills.
Taking care of myself
Using visual sequences to teach self-care skills
Washing Hands.mp4Washing Hands
Getting dressed
Strategies for picky eating
Translated tip sheets
How can we support toilet training?
Toilet training can be tricky for children with autism and intellectual disabilities. It often takes more time and patience than with other kids. Each child learns differently, so what works for one may not work for another. The key is to stay calm, be consistent, and celebrate small steps forward. With the right approach and lots of support, many children can learn to use the toilet independently. Below are some resources to help you understand the process and give you practical tips to make toilet training easier for everyone involved.
Toileting Tips for Children with Complex Needs Children.pdfToileting Handout
I have to go Tips for using the toilet at home and school.mp4Is Your Child Ready for Toileting Training?
References:
Auld C, Foley KR, Cashin A. Daily living skills of autistic adolescents and young adults: A scoping review. Aust Occup Ther J. 2022 Aug;69(4):456-474.
Baker, B. L., Brightman, A., Blacher, J., Heifetz, L. J., Hinshaw, S. R., & Murphy, D. M. (2003). Steps to independence: Teaching everyday skills to children with special needs (4th ed.). Brookes Publishing.
Baker E, Stavropoulos KKM, Baker BL, Blacher J. Daily living skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Implications for intervention and independence. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2021 May;83:101761.
Bennett, Kyle & Dukes, Charles. (2013). A Systematic Review of Teaching Daily Living Skills to Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 1. 10.1007/s40489-013-0004-3.
Cocchiola MA Jr, Martino GM, Dwyer LJ, Demezzo K. Toilet training children with autism and developmental delays: an effective program for school settings. Behav Anal Pract. 2012 Winter;5(2):60-4.
Simon, M., Wilkes-Gillan, S., Chen, Y.-W. R., Cordier, R., Cantrill, A., Parsons, L., & Phua, J. J. (2022). Toilet training interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 99, 102049. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2022.102049
Taconet, A. V., Lombardi, A. R., Madaus, J. W., Sinclair, T. E., Rifenbark, G. G., Morningstar, M. E., & Langdon, S. N. (2024). Interventions Focused on Independent Living Skills for Youth With Intellectual Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 47(1), 32-45.
Wrobel, M. (2003). Taking care of myself: A hygiene, puberty, and personal curriculum for young people with autism. Future Horizons.
