Self-Help & Independence Skills

Master these essential components of Self-Help & Independence Skills

Personal Hygiene

The ability to maintain cleanliness and grooming to promote health and well-being.

Activities:

  • 1Practice brushing teeth twice daily.
  • 2Teach proper handwashing techniques.
  • 3Demonstrate how to shower or bathe independently.
  • 4Practice using deodorant and other grooming products.
  • 5Create a hygiene checklist for daily routines.

Dressing Skills

The ability to select appropriate clothing and dress oneself independently.

Activities:

  • 1Practice putting on and taking off clothes (e.g., shirts, pants, socks).
  • 2Teach how to fasten buttons, zippers, and shoelaces.
  • 3Sort clothes by season or occasion.
  • 4Practice folding and organizing clothes.
  • 5Use visual aids or step-by-step guides for dressing routines.

Eating and Feeding Skills

The ability to feed oneself using utensils, follow table manners, and make healthy food choices.

Activities:

  • 1Practice using utensils (fork, spoon, knife) during meals.
  • 2Teach how to pour drinks without spilling.
  • 3Encourage self-serving during meals.
  • 4Introduce basic cooking skills (e.g., making a sandwich).
  • 5Discuss healthy food choices and portion sizes.

Toileting Skills

The ability to use the toilet independently, maintain cleanliness, and manage related tasks.

Activities:

  • 1Practice recognizing the need to use the toilet.
  • 2Teach proper wiping techniques.
  • 3Demonstrate flushing and handwashing after use.
  • 4Use visual schedules for toileting routines.
  • 5Introduce nighttime toileting strategies (e.g., using a nightlight).

Time Management

The ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to use time effectively.

Activities:

  • 1Use a visual schedule or planner to organize daily tasks.
  • 2Set timers for specific activities (e.g., homework, chores).
  • 3Practice breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
  • 4Teach the concept of prioritizing tasks (e.g., urgent vs. non-urgent).
  • 5Encourage self-monitoring of time spent on activities.

Money Management

The ability to handle money, budget, and make informed financial decisions.

Activities:

  • 1Practice identifying coins and bills.
  • 2Teach basic budgeting skills (e.g., saving vs. spending).
  • 3Role-play shopping and making purchases.
  • 4Introduce the concept of earning money through chores or tasks.
  • 5Use games or apps to simulate financial decision-making.

Household Chores

The ability to complete tasks related to maintaining a clean and organized living space.

Activities:

  • 1Teach how to make a bed.
  • 2Practice sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming.
  • 3Demonstrate loading and unloading a dishwasher or washing machine.
  • 4Encourage tidying up toys or personal belongings.
  • 5Introduce basic laundry skills (e.g., sorting, folding).

Communication Skills

The ability to express needs, thoughts, and feelings effectively.

Activities:

  • 1Practice using clear and polite language.
  • 2Role-play asking for help or clarification.
  • 3Teach how to make phone calls or send messages.
  • 4Encourage active listening during conversations.
  • 5Use social stories to practice appropriate communication in different settings.

Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and make decisions.

Activities:

  • 1Use scenarios to practice identifying problems.
  • 2Teach brainstorming techniques for generating solutions.
  • 3Role-play decision-making processes.
  • 4Encourage evaluating the pros and cons of different options.
  • 5Use puzzles or games to build critical thinking skills.

Transportation and Navigation

The ability to travel independently and navigate public or private transportation.

Activities:

  • 1Practice reading maps or using GPS apps.
  • 2Teach how to identify and follow road signs.
  • 3Role-play using public transportation (e.g., buses, trains).
  • 4Encourage walking or biking to nearby locations.
  • 5Discuss safety rules for traveling alone.

Self-Advocacy

The ability to speak up for oneself, express needs, and seek support when necessary.

Activities:

  • 1Practice identifying personal strengths and needs.
  • 2Teach how to ask for help in different settings.
  • 3Role-play advocating for accommodations or support.
  • 4Encourage participation in decision-making processes.
  • 5Use scripts or prompts to practice self-advocacy.

Emotional Regulation

The ability to manage and express emotions in a healthy and appropriate manner.

Activities:

  • 1Teach deep breathing or relaxation techniques.
  • 2Practice identifying and labeling emotions.
  • 3Use journaling to express feelings.
  • 4Introduce coping strategies for stress or frustration.
  • 5Role-play handling challenging situations calmly.

Health and Safety Awareness

The ability to recognize and respond to health and safety concerns.

Activities:

  • 1Teach basic first aid skills (e.g., applying a bandage).
  • 2Practice identifying emergency contacts and calling 911.
  • 3Discuss fire safety and evacuation plans.
  • 4Teach how to read medication labels and follow instructions.
  • 5Role-play responding to unsafe situations (e.g., stranger danger).

Social Skills

The ability to interact with others respectfully and build positive relationships.

Activities:

  • 1Practice greeting others and making eye contact.
  • 2Teach turn-taking during conversations or games.
  • 3Role-play sharing and cooperating with peers.
  • 4Encourage participation in group activities or team sports.
  • 5Use social stories to practice appropriate behavior in different settings.

Organization Skills

The ability to keep track of belongings, tasks, and responsibilities.

Activities:

  • 1Use checklists for daily routines or tasks.
  • 2Teach how to organize school supplies or work materials.
  • 3Practice using calendars or planners to track deadlines.
  • 4Encourage labeling and categorizing items.
  • 5Introduce systems for managing paperwork or digital files.