Children have a natural drive to be independent and do things on their own. Children living with autism have the same independent drive but struggle to learn and complete basic self-care tasks, like brushing their teeth and cleaning up after themselves. A functional skills training program can teach self-care skills for children with autism.
At Camp Worth, we help frustrated teens aged 11-17 learn the basic self-care skills they need to lead a happy and independent life. Our functional skills training program gives your child a safe and encouraging space to learn and practice self-care skills in real-life situations. We also include autism parent training programs to provide you with the skills to continue your child’s development. Contact our knowledgeable staff about self-care skills for children with autism by calling 855.915.2545 or filling out our online form today to learn more about our functional skills training program.
Can Children with Autism Care for Themselves?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects each child differently. Some high-functioning children with autism will be able to lead a normal, independent life with minimal outside support, while others will need 24/7 care. Any child with autism can learn basic self-care skills. Also, the more you work with them on these skills, the easier it will be for them to learn new skills as their development continues.
Self-care skills training can help with daily hygiene, eating habits, exercising daily, and coping with stress. To give your child the best chances at leading an independent life, begin teaching some basic hygiene skills as early as possible, including:
- Using the toilet
- Washing hands
- Brushing teeth
- Taking a shower or bath
- Cleaning up after themselves
- Helping with household chores
By working with your child on these skills daily, you will give them a better chance at learning new, more complex skills later on, such as:
- Having a job
- Using public transportation
- Going grocery shopping
- Engaging in meaningful relationships and social connections
Self-Care Strategies for Children with Autism
The best way to form an effective strategy for teaching self-care skills for children with autism is to let your child set the pace. You do not want to overwhelm them with too much and risk them losing interest or becoming frustrated.
Some self-care strategies for children with autism that you can use to help in your child’s development include:
- Create a positive learning environment at home with set spaces for learning, play, or mealtimes. Make sure everyone in the family enforces these changes.
- Use the communication tools that work best for your child, like posters, drawings, or photos for visual aids, along with speech and gestures. If your child likes to draw, let them make their own signs. Making this a fun activity will make it easier for them to learn.
- Practice self-care skills with your child daily until it becomes a habit. Set specific times for brushing teeth, taking a bath, and mealtimes to help build a structured routine.
- Continue adding new self-care skills like household chores, getting ready for school or therapy, and other skills to continue their development.
Children with autism are just as thirsty for new knowledge as everyone else. Teaching self-care skills through a functional skills training program and at home will help your child build their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities, allowing them to lead a happy and more independent life.
Learn More About Self-Care Skills for Children with Autism at Camp Worth
At Camp Worth, our functional skills training program can help give teens living with autism the self-care skills they need to care for themselves so they can lead a more independent life. We provide a wide range of full-service autism programs that include:
- Individual and group therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Family counseling
- Social skills group
- Functional skills training
- Functional communication training
For parents, we can teach you about autism and ways that you and your family can help with your teen son or daughter’s development. Learn more about teaching self-care skills for children with autism through our functional skills training program when you call 855.915.2545 or complete our online contact form.
