For many parents of children with autism, and of young children in general, some days, it might feel like you’re just surviving. You’re managing meltdowns, navigating routines, trying to keep the peace, and before you know it, it’s dinner time.
But even in those tough moments, there are small opportunities to help your child build independence through life skills. And the good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start with the simplest of daily tasks.
Building independence is a journey. Every small task they learn to complete on their own is a step toward greater confidence and self-reliance. As parents, you’re in a powerful position to support this growth, creating opportunities for your child to practice age-appropriate tasks in a compassionate and structured way.
Start With One Task
For children with autism, learning a new skill can feel like climbing a mountain. That’s why it’s helpful to focus on just one task at a time. Choose something your child is already somewhat familiar with, like putting away toys or brushing hair. Break the task into small, manageable steps. For brushing hair, it might look like this:
- Hold the brush by the handle
- Start at the bottom of the hair and brush out any tangles
- Move up to the middle section
- Finish by brushing the top layer
- Put the brush back in its place
Other small daily tasks might include:
- Personal Hygiene: Washing hands, brushing teeth, or brushing hair.
- Mealtime skills: Pouring water, making a snack, or setting the table.
- Household Skills: Wiping the table, sorting laundry, or putting toys in a bin.
- Self-Care Skills: Zipping a jacket, choosing clothes for the day, or putting on shoes.
Celebrate each step your child completes successfully, even if they need some assistance. Gradually, they’ll build the confidence to do more on their own.
Utilize Visual Supports
Children with autism often respond well to visual cues. A visual schedule can turn a complex task into a clear sequence of steps. Consider creating a picture chart for tasks like getting dressed, setting the table, or cleaning up toys. Each image represents a step, allowing your child to track their progress and know what comes next.
For example, a mealtime routine chart could include pictures of:
- Washing hands
- Setting out a plate and utensils
- Pouring a drink
- Sitting at the table
- Eating and chatting
- Clearing the table
Visual supports provide a sense of structure and predictability, making daily routines feel less daunting and more achievable.
Break Big Tasks Into Small Steps
Big tasks, like getting dressed or preparing a snack, can feel overwhelming. Breaking them into smaller steps makes them more manageable and gives your child a chance to succeed one step at a time.
For instance, instead of saying, “Get dressed,” guide your child through these smaller actions:
- Choose a shirt
- Put one arm in the sleeve
- Put the other arm in the sleeve
- Pull the shirt down
- Choose pants
- Step one leg in, then the other
- Pull up the pants
Each step can be taught separately and then linked together as your child gains confidence.
Use Prompting
Prompting, an important component of ABA therapy, can be a powerful tool to help your child learn new tasks without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. It’s like holding their hand through a new skill—literally or figuratively—and then gradually letting go as they gain confidence. Start with more direct prompts, like hand-over-hand guidance, and gradually reduce the level of assistance as they gain skills.
For example:
- Physical Prompt: Gently guiding your child’s hand to hold a spoon correctly during snack time. Start by placing your hand over theirs, then fade to a light touch on the wrist, and eventually just a verbal cue.
- Verbal Prompt: Saying, “First, pick up the spoon,” with a warm, encouraging tone. Later, reduce it to, “What do you need to do first?” to prompt independent thinking.
- Visual Prompt: Showing a picture of a spoon with an arrow pointing to the mouth. This visual can stay in place as a gentle reminder until they no longer need it.
The goal is to gradually fade these prompts, allowing your child to take ownership of the task.
Remember, progress may be slow, and that’s okay. Focus on consistency, celebrate each success, and remain patient as your child learns and grows.
If you’re looking for more support in fostering independence for your child, Ready Set Connect is here to help. Our team of experienced therapists can provide guidance, resources, and hands-on strategies tailored to your child’s unique needs. Reach out to us today to learn how we can work together to build life skills, one small task at a time.