Identifying a Therapist Supportive of Neurodiversity: A Detailed Walkthrough
In a world where understanding and supporting neurodivergent learners is increasingly important, research suggests targeted methods such as visual schedules, behavioral training, and positive reinforcement can help overcome challenges for neurodivergent learners [1]. This article offers a multi-faceted guide to daily living skills (DLS) development that caters to all ages, encompassing communication, executive functioning, self-care, and advanced independent living skills.
**Communication Skills** form the foundation for social interaction. Essential skills include expressing basic needs, requesting help, understanding others, using phones or devices to communicate, and practicing safe internet and social media use [2]. These skills are vital at every life stage.
**Executive Functioning Skills** support problem-solving, decision-making, and social competence. Key skills include time management, critical thinking, self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal relationships [2]. Developing these skills enables individuals to manage their daily activities, make informed decisions, and navigate social dynamics effectively.
**Self-Care and Hygiene** are integral to independent living plans and contribute significantly to wellbeing. Skills in this domain include toileting, showering/bathing, brushing teeth, grooming, personal health management, and medication adherence [2].
**Basic Functional Living Skills** enable autonomy in daily routines and community participation. Skills in this category include food and nutrition, gross and fine motor skills, transportation and navigation, and financial management [2].
**Advanced and Specialized Skills** enhance quality of life and adaptability to new challenges. These skills include employment or volunteering skills, learning practical tasks like changing lightbulbs, first aid, and emergency response, stress management and relaxation techniques, language skills, and cultural competencies [2][3].
The approach to skill development involves using a Personalized Care Plan (PCP) or similar framework that assesses individual strengths and needs. It also requires explicit guidance and step-by-step instruction from reliable sources, creating distraction-free environments, and progressing from basic to advanced skills gradually [1][4].
By adulthood, humans are able to meet all of their secondary needs, including identifying and holding a job, managing the details of finances and a household, and successfully navigating in their environment. A Daily Living Skills by Age Chart is available for a helpful overview of expected skills at different ages.
It's worth noting that many parents and teachers may focus on primary and secondary DLS areas but miss out on the opportunity to teach leisure, recreation, and stress management skills. Children acquire many of the skills needed to cook, clean, and manage their health and safety during pre-teen and teen years.
This multi-faceted guide covers all essential components of daily living skills development, promoting independence and quality of life at every age.
References: [1] National Autistic Society. (2021). Supporting Neurodivergent Learners. Retrieved from https://www.autism.org.uk/professionals/teaching/supporting-neurodivergent-learners
[2] Understood. (2021). Daily Living Skills: What Are They and How to Teach Them. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/learning-problems/executive-functioning-issues/daily-living-skills-what-are-they-and-how-to-teach-them
[3] Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center. (2021). Executive Functioning Skills. Retrieved from https://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/articles/executive-functioning-skills.asp
[4] Autism Speaks. (2021). Teaching Daily Living Skills. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-news/adulthood/teaching-daily-living-skills
Time management, a crucial executive functioning skill, is essential for effective daily activity management and decision-making. Stress management and relaxation techniques are advanced skills that promote mental health and wellness, helping individuals cope with new challenges [2][3]. Communication skills form the foundation for social interaction and life with neurodivergent learners, encompassing various aspects such as expressing needs, requesting help, and safe internet and social media use [2]. Life skills, like self-care and hygiene, contribute significantly to wellbeing and are integral to independent living plans [2]. Therapies and treatments for neurological disorders often require a keen understanding of health and wellness, as well as knowledge about medical-conditions and understanding their impact on an individual's daily life [1]. The approach to skill development involves a personalized care plan focused on individual strengths and needs for comprehensive daily living skills (DLS) growth [1][4].
