TEACCH Tip#3 Daily Living Routines
Everyday routines such as toothbrushing, dressing, and bathing may appear simple, but they are actually made up of many smaller, sequential steps. For individuals with autism who may find sequencing challenging, these routines can become difficult without clear structure and support.
Breaking tasks into smaller steps and presenting them visually can make daily routines easier to understand, follow, and complete independently. Visual step-by-step supports provide a clear guide for what to do next, reducing confusion and increasing success.
Think about how helpful it is to follow visuals when assembling furniture or learning a new recipe—they show exactly what comes next. The same approach can be used to support daily living skills.
Ways to Use Visual Step Supports
- Create a visual sequence for daily routines such as toothbrushing, handwashing, dressing, or bathing.
- Use a simple checklist or picture sequence that shows each step clearly.
- Break down tasks before transitions, such as completing morning routines before free time.
- Use visuals for multi-step leisure activities, such as art projects or building with LEGOs®.
Helpful Hints
- If a step becomes too difficult or the individual gets stuck, break it down further into smaller components. For example, instead of “brush teeth,” break it into:
- Brush top teeth
- Brush bottom teeth
- Brush left side
- Brush right side
- Use consistent visuals and routines to build familiarity over time.
- Start with highly supported routines and gradually increase independence as skills develop.
- Remember that visual supports can be used for both daily living skills and fun activities.
Clear visual steps help turn complex routines into manageable actions, building independence and confidence over time.