Range of Self-Reliance
As with communication and social interaction and other issues related to autism, the level of self-reliance varies greatly from person to person. For example, because of the inconsistencies in autism, it is possible for an individual who has good communication skills and gets along well with other people to need assistance with basic self-help skills such as personal grooming or toileting. Let us look at the wide range of skills necessary for independent living.
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On one end of the broad spectrum of autism is the need for assistance with every step of daily care. In extreme cases, an individual may not take any initiative to eat, get dressed, or go to the bathroom. Others may need hand-over-hand assistance in order to brush their teeth or make a sandwich.
Some people diagnosed with autism are able to take care of their personal needs and daily care with close supervision. For example, they may follow verbal directions to get dressed, but they may forget what they are doing and walk out of the house with socks but no shoes.
As we progress along the spectrum, we find individuals who are able to complete daily care tasks with reminders, either verbal reminders from caregivers or visual schedules and lists. Some individuals with autism initiate some tasks necessary for self-sufficiency on their own, but still need some reminders until the task becomes a habit.
We also find some individuals who function somewhat independently in supported environment. Some individuals with autism can take care of daily needs, finish homework or a task at their job independently, prepare a light meal for their family, and communicate via e-mail, but they are not able to live on their own because of gaps in their self-reliance.
Some people with autism can live independently with some support for transportation, financial management, cooking, and other skills necessary for a person to be self-reliant.
And, of course, some individuals with autism are perfectly capable of living independently. They can get a job, drive a car, take care of personal finances, maintain a household, and even take care of a family.
TIP FOR THE DAY: It is easy to assume that a person is self-reliant if they are in typical classes in school and able to communicate with and get along with other people. At the same time, it is easy to assume that a person who is unable to talk needs help with selecting their meals or with shopping. But, that is not necessarily the case. We need to be aware of the inconsistencies across skill areas: communication, social skills, sensory sensitivities, restrictive behaviors, and other issues related to autism, then help our friends develop new skills when possible.
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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