Activities of Daily Living

Daily living skills -or- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are basic tasks that are required for daily functioning. These activities are oriented toward taking care of our body and well-being. They are broken down into two categories: Basic Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex and are not typical done by children independently. 

ADLs are activities or tasks that we do everyday. They may even become so mundane that you perform without even thinking about it. The saying, "I could do it with my eyes closed" comes to mind. 

Now, think of a time that you had a cut or injured your hand in some way. I bet that made it difficult to complete self-care tasks and all of a sudden, you really had to THINK about how to do the task in a different way. I also bet you soon realized how much we can take for granted.

For children, they are only just learning how to complete these tasks and it can be a difficult journey. In the beginning, they need their caregivers to do all tasks for them. Then as they get older, they are able to do more and more on their own (and may even WANT to do it by themselves!). However, if a child has developmental challenges these activities can become a burden for themselves and their families. 

• Learning and mastering ADLs is the key to living INDEPENDENTLY! 
• Efficiency supports overall well-being and improved quality of life. 

• Bathing & Showering
• Toileting & Toilet Hygiene
• Dressing
• Swallowing & Eating
• Feeding
• Functional Mobility
• Personal Device Care
• Personal Hygiene & Grooming

• Care of Others
• Care of Pets
• Child Rearing
• Communication Management
• Driving & Community Mobility
• Financial Management
• Health Management & Maintenance
• Home Establishment & Management
• Meal Preparation & Cleanup
• Religious & Spiritual Activities & Expression
• Safety & Emergency Maintenance
• Shopping

When you are trying to teach a child a new skill, it is important to consider a few things..

• Mood
• When
• Where
• "Just Right Challenge"
• Assistance Level

Mood:

Make sure that both of you are in a pleasant mood and are not overstimulated. Having a calm tone of voice, neutral facial expression, and patience is key to helping your little one make progress on these skills. Be sure to have some regulation tools near by and know that it is okay to stop if either one of you becomes overwhelmed. 

When:

I always suggest doing it during "down time". Don't try and teach shoe tying when you have 5 minutes to get out the door. This will only end poorly. Practice when there are no time restraints.

Where:

Preform the task where the child can completely attend. Make sure there are no visual or auditory distractions. Be sure that the area is well lit and the child enjoys being in the space.

Just Right Challenge:

Make sure to give the child a task that they will be able to achieve within a short amount of time. For example, don't start at shoe tying if the child is still having difficulty putting on their socks. 

Assistance Level:

In the beginning you will need to model the task for the child. Some children do best with a visual and a verbal prompt of step by step directions. Some children need a video instruction, rather than watching the person in front of them. 

Other ways to assist:

• Forward Chaining
• Backward Chaining
• Scaffolding

• Assessment
• Create a Plan of Care
• Monitor as needed and provide adaptations