Self Sufficiency
Some adults with autism are capable of living independently, pursuing a career, and raising a family. Others can live somewhat independently with support. Still others will live in a supported environment. No matter what the future holds, many individuals with autism need some help learning to be as self-sufficient as possible. What practical life skills can we teach young children and teens that will stick with them as they grow up?
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Most of us just naturally learn daily living skills necessary for self sufficiency as we grow up. We observe and copy other people. We learn from our own mistakes and from the mistakes of others. Our parents gradually let go of the reins and let us start taking responsibility for our own lives. This starts when a toddler is encouraged to pick up his own cup and take a drink or encouraged to get his shoes from his room.
For a variety of reasons, some individuals with autism do not make that leap into self-sufficiency naturally. Many teachers and family members are willing to help in the process, but, because it is difficult to envision their child as an adult, they are in need of a list of functional life skills necessary for self-sufficiency. Let’s look at several categories.
1. Self-responsibilities. Autism can stand in the way of an individual recognizing what they need to do, i.e. what mom isn’t going to do for them. Typically, a 5 year old will notice that mom is heading out the door, and will follow. Or an 8 year old will interrupt his swinging when he sees his class lining up after recess. Some youngsters with autism do not just naturally recognize those social cues.
2. Self-starting. Another factor that interferes with self-sufficiency is the inability to know what steps are necessary to complete a task, and then to take the first step. Although some individuals may just lack initiative or the motivation to do things independently, others have difficulty starting a task without prompting.
3. Functional life skills. Nearly all children are systematically taught basic skills like walking, talking, dressing, eating, bathing, brushing teeth, reading, writing, math, and other standard “kid skills.” Granted, not everyone with autism masters all of these, but we give them many opportunities to learn and practice as they are growing up. But other skills critical to independent living are, in some cases, ignored until the final year of high school. Then we are scrambling to teach individuals how to master the art of shopping for groceries, managing money, recognizing medical needs, applying for and keeping a job, caring for an apartment, making and keeping friends, and all the other details that most people just learn naturally.
Whew! This seems overwhelming! In the companion podcast – Teaching Self Sufficiency – we will look at ways to tackle the challenge.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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