Do you need ideas for IEP goals, outcomes & targets, or maybe just general things to carry out as part of the family unit that you can send home? Here at The Autism Junction we are today looking at teaching our autistic pupils household chores.
There has never been a better time than now to teach your pupils to practice self-help skills. Many student IEP targets relate to developing independence, and therefore parents (fingers crossed) will have a little extra help around the house whilst following teaching guidelines you set. That way everyone is a winner!
At the Autism Junction we find our students respond best when they follow a maximum of three instructions, as this is relatively achievable and therefore success comes quickly. Each set of equipment used will vary from home to home, so please do encourage parents take their own series of three photos from their house if they’d prefer.
Match the Socks
This skill is a starting point for the longer-term aim of doing your own laundry. The skill requires an ability to recognise and match similar items.
You will need:
- a washing basket
- 4 pairs of socks with very different patterns and colours
- a box for finished pairings
Set the Table
For those who like routine, setting the table can be practised every day and is a great individual responsibility. The setting of a table is a strong visual indicator that food will be arriving soon. (The Autism Junction Tip:- Mealtimes can be highly anxious times for some. The setting of the table is a strong visual indicator that food will be arriving soon. Therefore have the food ready to eat as soon as the table is set). This waiting period can however gradually be extended over a period of time. When starting the task, set one place up in advance so it is clear to see what finished place setting actually looks like.
You will need:
- set of cutlery
- plates
- table
Sort the Shoes
Where do you keep the shoes in your house? Every busy household often ends up with shoes all over the place, despite everyones best intentions. How about train up those in your family to match and place shoes, sneakers and boots neatly in a box or shoe rack? (The Autism Junction Tip:- don’t start with too many pairs of shoes.) Everyone will have therefore have reduced anxiety when they are hurrying to leave the house as their shoes will be ready for them. It’s also an easy way of making you feel like you have some order in your house….
You will need:
- A few pairs of shoes
- A box / shoe rack
Sort the Cutlery
How about sharing out the work in the kitchen, one job at a time? To set up this task, you need to have clearly defined compartments for knives, forks and spoons, and a selection of cutlery that needs putting away correctly (maybe use the dishwasher crate?) The skill requires an ability to recognise and match similar items. (The Autism Junction Tip:- place one knife, fork, spoon each compartment as a guide, before the activity starts.)
You will need:
- clean cutlery
- storage box with compartments
Now it’s time to go teach those household chores!
If you need visuals or further ideas then do check out our Household Chores in our TPT store. The visuals are easy to set up and suitable for sequencing tasks. CLICK HERE to view the resource.
thinking differently
The Autism Junction