TEACCH Tip#3 Daily Living Routines
Daily routines like toothbrushing, dressing, and bathing may seem simple, but they actually involve a series of smaller, sequential steps. For individuals with autism, who may have difficulty with sequencing, these routines can be particularly challenging. Breaking tasks down and presenting each step visually can make them much easier to understand and complete.
Consider how helpful visuals can be when you’re following a new recipe or setting up a program on your computer—they give you a clear reference for what to do next. This same strategy can support learners with autism by providing structure and clarity. Try creating a visual, step-by-step guide for a specific task (such as toothbrushing), or develop a visual checklist to help someone complete several tasks before transitioning to free time.
Helpful Hints
- You can use this strategy for fun multi-step activities too, like building a Lego House or doing an art project.
- If the individual seems to get stuck on one step of the sequence, you may need to break it down even further:
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- For example, if they get to “brush teeth” and only brush one tooth, you can break that step down into “brush top teeth, brush bottom teeth, brush side teeth, brush other side teeth.”