Daily living skills such as dressing, preparing meals, cleaning, and managing self-care are essential for independence across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Many autistic children and adolescents experience challenges with motor skills, and research has long suggested a link between motor difficulties and reduced daily living skills. But until recently, it wasn’t clear which specific motor […]
Looking for a fun turn taking game where kids can practice a life skill at the same time? Need an activity to teach children how to set the table and help motivate them to do chores? Try this Set the Table Game FREE Printable from Your Therapy Source. Roll the die or spin the spinner […]
As parents and educators, we know how important it is for children to develop a sense of responsibility. Encouraging children to complete chores can help to achieve that goal. Did you know that improvements were observed in executive functions following chores for kids? Chore engagement might improve executive functions, like planning and self-regulation. This is […]
The Journal of Early Intervention recently published research on daily living skills and young children with autism. They wanted to understand the role of early intervention teachers’ perceptions toward the educational placement of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study explored the area of daily living skills and the educational placement of students in school. […]
As a parent, you have a responsibility to help your child become an independent human as early as possible. This means helping them do things themselves when they can, rather than doing it for them. One of the best ways to teach this is by having kids do chores around the house. It not only […]
Functional Fine Motor Activities for Kids Using Household Items Functional fine motor activities using household items are so important to childhood development. They are the building blocks for higher level skills such as using scissors, drawing, dressing, eating, handwriting and more! Children need to experience frequent practice with fine motor activities to refine the movements […]
Children can struggle when they learn how to button. They need lots of opportunities for button practice time. It can feel overwhelming to a child and stressful for the parents or teachers who are standing by to help if needed. If buttoning seems overwhelming to your child or student, start with the step below their […]
50 Bimanual Activities of Daily Living – FREE Printable Bimanual activities are skills that we use two hands to complete. All children benefit from practicing bimanual skills to help develop coordination skills, crossing midline, and functional life skills. Children with cerebral palsy, especially hemiplegia, are often encouraged to participate in bimanual activities. Many times following […]
Girls with Autism Struggle More With Daily Routine Tasks The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published research indicating that girls with autism struggle more with daily routine tasks. The study included an age and IQ-matched sample of 228 school-aged youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to assess sex differences on the Autism Diagnostic Observation […]
Developmental Science published research examining the longitudinal development of manual motor skills and daily living skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Longitudinal grip strength and finger tapping, along with the relationship to current and future daily living skills, was evaluated in 90 individuals with ASD and 56 individuals with typical development who ranged […]