It’s important to know that just because your child has an ASD diagnosis doesn’t mean they can’t meet new people, date, go to college, get married, have children, or have a fulfilling and lucrative career. Children with ASD need the same skills that normally developing children do in order to be successful adults; But it’s important to remember that this process often looks different from what a typical child experiences as they grow up.

 

At this point, it is common knowledge that children with ASD have better outcomes when they are diagnosed early and given evidence-based therapies to help them develop the skills they need to be successful children and adults. Applied behavioral analysis is the most well-known and effective treatment for helping children with ASD develop functional life skills. Children may also benefit from speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, depending on their areas of growth.

The following are the independent living skills that an ASD person develops over time:

Self-help and determination skills.

ASD people are taught to help themselves. They are taught to be emotionally, physically, and cognitively aware in order to set and achieve goals. They gain a new understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses, which is crucial to their growth and independence.

Functional communication

Communication is an essential part of living on your own. Therefore, they are taught to recognize and communicate their desires, emotions, and worries to the people with whom they live or interact. They will be able to talk to their family, friends, coworkers, and coworkers’ employees.

Domestic and personal care.

They are also taught how to live on their own and do personal and home-related tasks such as:

• Dressing and undressing
• Personal hygiene practices, including brushing hair, shaving, applying makeup, showering, menstrual care, etc.
• Washing clothes
• Planning and preparing meals
• Housekeeping

Career path and employment.

ASD individuals are trained to acquire job-related skills. Not only to make them do their daily chores, but also to help them realize their potential for financial independence. Individuals with ASD can achieve success in their chosen careers by teaching them skills in communication, self-care, and emotional regulation.

Money management.

ASD individuals must be able to balance a checkbook, use credit and debit cards, and manage a bank account. The child must be taught at home how to pay for things like rent, food, medicine, personal belongings, and other things. Make sure they practice this at home so that when they leave the house, they can do these things on their own.

 

Everyone’s perspective on adult life with autism is different. It’s possible that the obstacles your child faces now will continue to present challenges in the future. However, there are some individuals on the spectrum who are happily married and have full-time employment. Many of them have even evolved into role models for younger adults who want to live full, independent lives. Like everyone else, these people didn’t do it on their own. The best thing you can do as a parent or caregiver is make plans ahead of time and show your love and support to your child as they find their way.

 

Choose Nurture Pods to get the care you and your family deserve. We can provide your child with autism therapies such as ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Please contact us today for more information on how we can help you.

 

Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 15 February 2023