When you have a child with autism, life skills need to be high on the list for what needs to be taught. I’m not saying that typical school subjects aren’t important, but life skills will help your child gain a little independence – even if they always live with you.
I’ll admit – while Casey and Rob do have chores to take care of, I haven’t always pushed them to do more. When I’m tired, I just want things done – not take the time to show them how to do something. I try to remember, tho.
Over the last few days, I’ve been reminded how much Rob loves to help me. And that Casey will usually say “no” as she’s getting up to do whatever I asked. After several months of dealing with a foot injury, I ended up in a hard cast and am supposed to stay off my foot as much as possible.
Luckily, I’m able to put weight on it for a few steps here and there, so I’m not completely helpless and I have a knee scooter to get around the house with. But, doing some things are a little tricky.
So I’ve asked Casey and Rob to help. He filled Blue’s water dish. She got the crock pot for me. He poured drinks for lunch. She folded laundry. They both packed their own lunches yesterday.
Are these huge things? Maybe not, but it shows again how important it is for our kids to understand they are part of the family and need to help when they can. Casey laughed about getting the crock pot and he was so proud he carried a bowl of water without spilling it. So, yes – these things are huge!
When there are so many other things your child with autism needs to learn, I understand that life skills are just a bother. But – imagine how much easier their life will be if they can brush their own teeth – wash their hair – choose their outfits. (I’ll be the first to say Casey sometimes chooses … How do I say this… Loud outfits, but she’s happy and excited, so who cares??)
Having autism is not an excuse to do nothing for yourself. Let your kids learn that – autism is not a free pass. Having said that, obviously, there are better times than others to work on life skills. If your child’s anxiety is high, you’ll make it worse forcing them to perfectly brush their teeth. But, teach them!
People with autism are capable of so many things, but they have to be given the chance to try. Will they succeed the first time? Probably not… But do you? How many things did you have to try over and over before you got it? Why should your child be any different? Again – autism is not an excuse!
Rob likes to help with cooking and to clean mirrors/windows. Are they always streak-free? Nope, but they aren’t always perfect when I do them, either. He likes to flip pancakes. Sometimes they land where he doesn’t want them to. So we try again.
Casey always folds her clothes and has to be reminded to fold others, but she will. She will help with cooking as long as it’s not near the stove – she is very worried about getting burned.
I’m sure in the next few months, they will continue to surprise me with what they can do. And what they are proud to do to help me. Let your children help you before you need the help. Give them the chance to be proud of what they can do. It’s the best of both worlds!