As of now, the vast majority of adults on the ASD spectrum still live with a guardian. While there are cases where this is necessary, many are without the proper tools and preparation required for adulthood, yet still could learn independent living with time and practice.
While skills like food preparation and personal hygiene may come easy to most, those with developmental disabilities might need specialized assistance and training.
In this blog, we’ll look at the following:
- What skill barriers do people with autism have?
- Why are life skills important?
- Roman Empire’s Independent Living Skills Training
What Skill Barriers do People with Autism Have?
Individuals with autism tend to struggle with skills such as social interactions, language and cognitive development, and general self-care. Because of this, it’s more difficult for them to immerse themselves into typical societal contexts and environments, especially as they begin high school and grow into young adults.
New responsibilities and anticipations emerge, like finding and sustaining a job, living independently, finding a relationship, starting a family, etc. While each person with autism is unique in their developmental capabilities, learning a greater degree of independence is always possible.
Why Are Life Skills Important?
Life skills allow us to make independent daily living decisions while managing life safely and healthily. They help us in all areas, including our social, professional, and personal life. We are more self-sufficient when we know how to care for ourselves, communicate with others, and navigate our environment.
For those with developmental disabilities such as autism, life skills expand their scope of living and offer them the same opportunities as those who are neurotypical. Having your own home, job, and even significant other brings a sense of pride and fulfillment to your life.
Roman Empire’s Independent Living Skills Training
At Roman Empire, we offer Independent Living Skills Training (ILS) to all our consumers with developmental disabilities. ILS targets the essential life skills for which developmental disabilities can create barriers.
While many individuals with developmental disabilities grow up in a supportive home that assists them with learning basic and essential skills, this isn’t always the case. For those who gain little to no support in childhood, adulthood can bring severe challenges and difficulties concerning independence.
Even for those who had support in their childhood, some skills may need a professional or more direct approach to develop. Regardless of one’s upbringing and level of independence, Roman Empire is here to support our consumers wherever they may need it with living skills, including but not limited to:
- Basic Math & Reading
- Communication Skills; Verbal, Non-Verbal, & American Sign Language (ASL)
- Community & Home Safety
- DCFS Support
- Driving Education (Written Only)
- Food Preparation
- Health & Nutrition
- Housing Assistance
- Job Asst/Department of Rehab
- Locating Generic Resources
- Medical & Mental Health
- Medication Management
- Mobility Training
- Money Management
- Organization & Cleaning
- Parenting Support
- Personal Care
- Personal Hygiene & Health
- Problem Solving
- Public Transport Assistance & Safety
- Recreation & Social Leisure
- Self Advocacy Training
- Social Integration Skills
- Social Security
Teaching life skills to children and adults with developmental disabilities not only aids with external accomplishments but internal as well. Completing daily tasks is rewarding, especially for those who worked hard to learn each skill.
We want our consumers to meet their goals and live the independent life they desire. Our team of compassionate and dedicated experts helps our consumers gain new skill sets through hard work, task analysis, and an individualized plan.
Get Ahead in Life with Roman Empire Today
Our services for the developmentally disabled include all levels of support, such as SSI assistance, skill training, ABA therapy, employment support, and more.
Please contact us today to learn more about who we are and how we can serve you or your loved one.
