Daily Living Activities: Developing Independence Step by Step
Practical guide to teaching your autistic child the essential daily tasks
Getting dressed, washing, eating, tidying up: these actions that we do without thinking often represent a challenge for autistic children. Difficulties with fine motor skills, sensory sensitivities, and executive function disorders can make learning independence take longer. However, with an adapted approach and a lot of patience, every child can progress towards greater independence in daily living activities.
Why It’s Important
Independence in daily living activities (DLA) is fundamental for quality of life and social inclusion. A child who can dress themselves, use the toilet, and eat neatly can participate more easily in age-appropriate activities. This independence also boosts self-esteem and reduces reliance on adults. It is an investment in the child's future.
of autistic children have delays in DLA
of progress with structured teaching
more learning time often needed
Teaching Principles
Break Down into Small Steps
Each task is broken down into micro-steps: "getting dressed" becomes "take the pants, put one leg in, put the other leg in, pull up the pants, fasten the button." This task analysis allows for step-by-step teaching and helps identify where the child struggles.
Use Visual Supports
Visual sequences (photos or pictograms) displayed in relevant locations guide the child in completing the task. These supports compensate for difficulties in memorizing sequences and reduce dependence on verbal instructions from adults.
Fading Supports
Start with necessary supports (physical guidance, demonstration, verbal prompts) and then gradually reduce them. The goal is for the child to complete the task independently. Do not keep supports longer than necessary.
Forward or Backward Chaining
Two possible approaches: forward chaining (the child learns the first step first, then the next ones gradually) or backward chaining (the adult does everything except the last step that the child completes, then the last two steps, etc.). Backward chaining provides immediate success since the child always finishes the task themselves.
Key Skills to Develop
Dressing and Undressing
Start with easy clothes (elastic pants, loose t-shirt) before moving on to more complex ones (buttons, shoelaces). Use visual cues (label on the back, sticker on the left shoe). Practice when the child is calm and available, not in the morning rush.
Personal Hygiene
Toileting, hand washing, tooth brushing, showering: each routine has its visual sequence. Adapt to sensory sensitivities (water temperature, soap texture). Be patient: nighttime cleanliness may take longer.
Meals
Holding utensils, cutting food, eating neatly, clearing the table: these skills are taught gradually. Adapt utensils if necessary (ergonomic cutlery). Manage dietary sensitivities alongside.
Tidying and Organization
Putting away belongings, preparing a backpack, organizing space: these organizational skills are often challenging. Visual storage systems (photos on boxes, checklists), practiced regularly, gradually develop these abilities.
COCO: Developing Cognitive Functions for Independence
The COCO THINK and COCO MOVE programs from DYNSEO develop essential cognitive functions for independence: attention, working memory, planning. These skills underlie the ability to perform sequences of actions independently. A playful training that prepares for daily independence.
Discover COCO"At 6 years old, our son could not dress himself. With visual sequences and backward chaining, we worked step by step. It took 18 months, but today he dresses completely on his own. Each small victory motivated us to continue. It’s possible; you just need to adapt the method and be patient."
- Break down each task into micro-steps
- Create visual supports for each routine
- Start with the easiest and progress
- Use chaining (forward or backward)
- Gradually fade supports
- Practice in real conditions
- Be consistent in expectations and methods
- Celebrate each progress
DYNSEO Training for Parents
The training "Supporting a Child with Autism: Keys and Solutions for Daily Life" offers concrete techniques to develop your child's independence. It explains structured teaching methods adapted to the characteristics of autism.
Discover the training💡 Resources
The guide to supporting autistic children and the guide to supporting autistic adults provide strategies to develop independence at every age of life.
Conclusion: Every Step Counts
Learning independence in daily living activities is a marathon, not a sprint. Every small step taken is a victory that builds your child's future independence. With the right methods – task breakdown, visual supports, fading of aids – and a lot of patience, progress is real and lasting.
Do not hesitate to seek the help of an occupational therapist or a specialized educator for the most challenging skills. DYNSEO tools, training, and programs like COCO complement this support by developing the cognitive functions underlying independence.
