For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, there can be a tricky balance to strike between independence and accepting care. It can be frustrating to depend on others for everyday needs. Working on independence can promote happiness, social skills, quality of life, dignity, and belonging. Having the power to navigate daily challenges can lead to a better sense of wellbeing as well as improve personal growth.

One effective approach to support a neurodiverse individual’s journey toward independence is through adaptive skills training. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of adaptive skills training and provide practical strategies to promote independence for yourself or someone you care for.

Adaptive skills, also known as life skills or functional skills, encompass a range of abilities necessary for independent living and functioning in various environments. These skills include self-care, communication, social interaction, personal hygiene, household tasks, and money management, among others. Adaptive skills training focuses on teaching and reinforcing these skills to enable individuals to participate more fully in their communities and lead more fulfilling lives.

Individual Needs

Every individual is unique, and it's essential to identify specific areas where adaptive skills training can make a significant impact. Collaborate with professionals, such as occupational therapists, special educators, or support staff, to evaluate your yours or your loved one's strengths, challenges, and areas of improvement. This assessment will serve as a roadmap for designing a tailored training plan.

Breaking Down Tasks

Many adaptive skills involve complex processes. To make them more manageable, break them down into smaller, sequential steps. For example, if you’re learning to prepare a meal, start by focusing an easier recipe and gradually introduce more complex dishes. Breaking tasks into smaller steps helps people get to know the process and build confidence in it over time.

Visual Supports and Social Stories

Visual supports, such as visual schedules, social stories, and task analysis charts, can be powerful tools in adaptive skills training. These visual aids provide instructions and serve as a visual reminder of the steps involved in a task (as well as remembering to do them!) Consider creating visual supports to facilitate various skills, such as grooming routines, cleaning tasks, grocery shopping, cooking or even spending time with friends.

Support

Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in any training. Identify motivating incentives that resonate with you or your loved one, such as verbal praise, tokens, activities, or treats. If this is for you, make sure you figure out what motivates you most and ask others to provide praise, set up activities, or whatever works for you. Positive reinforcement immediately after completing a skill or task, can strengthen the connection between the skill and the reward, making the learning process more enjoyable.

Community Integration

Supporting independence extends beyond the home. Actively seek opportunities for community integration to enhance social and functional skills. If this is for your loved one, encourage participation in local programs, clubs, or recreational activities specifically designed for neurodiverse individuals. If you’re reading this for yourself, try out a new local program to get out and about. Engaging in community-based experiences allows people to interact with peers, develop friendships, and practice adaptive skills in real-world contexts.

On the Job

As a neurodiverse adult or to help support a neurodiverse adult to find a job, start by exploring various job options that align with interests, skills, and strengths. Engaging in informational interviews, volunteer work, and internships will help gain exposure to different work environments. Also, start building foundational job readiness skills such as punctuality, following instructions, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Even after securing a job, ongoing support and skill development are essential. Try to participate or encourage your loved one to participate in professional development opportunities, such as workshops or training sessions, to enhance job-related skills and foster career growth. Emotional support and celebrating their achievements are crucial as any person navigates their journey.

Promoting independence through adaptive skills training is a valuable investment in growth and well-being. By assessing individual needs, breaking down tasks, utilizing visual supports, providing reinforcement, and facilitating community integration, you can empower people to develop essential life skills and lead a more independent and fulfilling life. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a significant achievement that deserves celebration. Together, let's nurture independence and create a supportive environment where your neurodiverse individuals can thrive!