Member-only story

How to Teach Life Skills to Children with Autism or Asperger's

Nathaniel Hawthorne

·15.5k Followers· Follow

Published in How To Teach Life Skills To Kids With Autism Or Asperger S

4 min read

279 View Claps

14 Respond

Save

Listen

Children with autism or Asperger's often have difficulty with life skills, such as self-care, communication, and social interaction. These skills are essential for independence and success in life. Parents and educators can play a vital role in teaching these skills to children with autism or Asperger's.

Basic hygiene: Teach children how to wash their hands, brush their teeth, and bathe themselves.
Dressing: Teach children how to get dressed and undressed, including how to button and zip clothes.
Feeding: Teach children how to feed themselves, including using utensils and pouring liquids.
Toileting: Teach children how to use the toilet, including how to flush and wash their hands.
Safety skills: Teach children about safety hazards, such as fire, water, and strangers.

Verbal communication: Teach children how to speak clearly and use language appropriately.
Nonverbal communication: Teach children how to understand and use nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, body language, and facial expressions.
Social skills: Teach children how to interact with others, including how to make friends, share, and take turns.

Play skills: Teach children how to play with others, including how to take turns, follow rules, and share toys.
Friendship skills: Teach children how to make and maintain friendships, including how to be a good friend and resolve conflicts.
Conflict resolution skills: Teach children how to resolve conflicts peacefully, including how to compromise and negotiate.

Use visual cues: Children with autism or Asperger's often learn best through visual cues, such as pictures, charts, and diagrams.
Break down tasks: Break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Provide positive reinforcement: Reward children for completing tasks successfully.
Be patient: Teaching life skills to children with autism or Asperger's can be challenging. Be patient and don't give up.
Collaborate with others: Work with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and special educators, to develop a comprehensive plan for teaching life skills.

Cooking: Cooking is a great way to teach children about nutrition, safety, and following directions.
Shopping: Shopping is a great way to teach children about money, budgeting, and making choices.
Cleaning: Cleaning is a great way to teach children about responsibility, organization, and teamwork.
Community outings: Community outings are a great way to teach children about social skills, safety, and independence.
Sports and games: Sports and games are a great way to teach children about teamwork, sportsmanship, and following rules.

Teaching life skills to children with autism or Asperger's can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. By using effective strategies and activities, parents and educators can help children with autism or Asperger's develop the skills they need to live independent and successful lives.