Ever since my autistic son, Tom, became a teen, I've been hearing about the importance of "Independent Living Skills. I started out assuming that "Independent Living Skills" referred simply to the skills that teens and young adults need to get through the day — but there are or can be much more to it. The first thing I learned is that the term "independent living skills" is not universally used — and when it's used, it may mean different things to different people. There are multiple assessment scales and tests. Each of these groups of skills, of course, is made of many smaller skill groups. Going to the movies, for example, could involve the ability to find out when a movie is playing, get to the movie on time, pay for the ticket, buy the snack, watch the movie appropriately, and then get home again.

Independent Living Skills for Autism



7 Life Skills Your Teen Needs to Be Independent
Kids who can handle everyday tasks are happier and more confident. Here are the life skills your teens should know. While there's no one-size-fits-all approach, there are ways to get your kid's attention and cooperation—no matter how much he may grumble. Play the independence card. Nobody loves being told what to do—especially teens, says Ron Zodkevitch, M. Every once in a while things go wrong; it makes sense to address life's realities. Say: "Stuff happens.


The Autism Community in Action (TACA)
Tips and Advice 13 comments. Our main job as parents is to raise children who are knowledgeable, skillful members of the community. To prepare them for life on their own. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission. We do our teens a disservice when we do all of their laundry, cook all of their meals, and fail to teach them the basic life skills they will need to successfully live on their own.



Casey Life Skills CLS is a free tool that assesses the behaviors and competencies youth need to achieve their long-term goals. It aims to set youth on their way toward developing healthy, productive lives. Examples of the life skills CLS helps youth self-evaluate include:.