Functional Lifeskills
The discussion about autism is most always focused on the child but like the rest of us, children with autism grow up. For those who are moderate to high functioning this may very well include the desire to go out and create an independent life. But for people on the spectrum, things like making a bed or shopping for groceries or paying a bill are often difficult to understand.
Functional lifeskills therapy prepares the child or youth for the day-to-day responsibilities that come up with taking care of oneself. Areas of focus include:
- Self care such as dressing, tooth brushing and bathing
- Health and Hygiene such as using a tissue to blow a nose or washing hands before a meal
- Household chores like setting a table, putting clothing away or doing laundry
- Pre-vocational task like answering a phone or putting together a package
- Community Safety such as stranger awareness or safely crossing a street
Functional Lifeskills is an individualized approach based on independent goals to teach the child or youth how to look at a situation, apply their skills and make a good choices.