How We Practice Daily Living Skills (e.g., hygiene, chores)

We encourage Benji and Giulietta to complete daily living tasks as independently as possible while recognizing that they may need our support along the way. Through consistent routines, we incorporate skills such as hygiene, chores, and self-care into their everyday activities. Our goal is to help them build confidence and responsibility. This approach allows Benji and Giulietta to experience success, develop independence, and understand that seeking support when needed is an important part of learning.

Daily Living Skills

Breaking Tasks into Steps

We teach new skills by breaking each activity into small, achievable steps to ensure success and understanding at every stage. For example, in hygiene routines such as brushing teeth, dressing, or setting the table, we model and demonstrate each step clearly. Sometimes tasks are visually supported to promote independence.

When working on dressing skills, we often use a back-chaining approach, a strategy that involves teaching the last step of a task first. For example, if the goal is putting on pants or underwear, we might help Benji or Giulietta with all the earlier steps and allow them to complete the final one independently. Once they master that last step, we gradually add earlier steps in the sequence until they can complete the whole task on their own. This approach builds confidence by ensuring early success and reduces frustration.

Developing Independence Through Dressing

We demonstrate each step of dressing and personal care routines while providing opportunities for Benji and Giulietta to try independently. The support worker works with them daily, starting with choosing clothing items for the day, then guiding them through putting on each piece of clothing, and finally practicing personal hygiene tasks such as brushing their teeth. Prompts are gradually reduced as they gain confidence, allowing them to initiate actions or requests using their iPad or PECS binder. Support is provided only when necessary. Using visual supports like laminated checklists helps them follow each step to build independence.

Chores and Household Responsibilities

We also provide opportunities for Benji and Giulietta to engage in household chores, giving them choice and responsibility. Benji uses a chore binder with laminated cards for each day of the week, with tasks corresponding to that day. They are encouraged to select tasks they want to complete. This approach not only promotes independence but also prepares Benji for taking on greater household responsibilities once his new house is built. Our goal is to develop organizational skills and confidence in completing daily living tasks.

By breaking tasks into steps, incorporating communication, modelling, and providing consistent practice, Benji and Giulietta develop essential daily living skills that promote independence and self-care.