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Below you can view excerpts from the Autism Resource Handbook written by Tanya Verdugo and Donna Bennett. Visit our store to purchase the handbook as a PDF now!
COMMUNITY LIVING
Get Out There
Integrating in the community requires commitment by the caregiver to schedule appropriate outings and acquire proper support volunteers and staff. While this might seem as yet another challenge to fit in to the day, it can be accomplished with a solid plan and organization.
Develop a Plan
See the following Sample Daily Schedule developed by Verdugo/Bennett.
| Sample Daily Schedule |
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Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
| 7:00a-8:00a |
Morning |
Routine |
Bathroom |
Wash Face |
Brush Teeth |
Make Bed |
Clean Room |
| 8:00a-9:00a |
Make Food |
Clear Table |
Dishes |
Fine Motor… |
e.g. Puzzles, |
Coloring, |
Cutting/Painting |
| 9:00a-10:00a |
Gross Motor… |
Vacuuming |
Running |
Swimming |
Trampoline |
Weights |
Pulling |
| 10:00a-12:00 |
Zoo |
Shopping |
Bowling |
Movie |
Museum |
Park |
Restaurant |
| 12:00p-1:00p |
Lunch |
Clear Table |
Dishes |
Free Choice |
Free Choice |
Free Choice |
Free Choice |
| 1:00p-2:00p |
Work Time |
Math Skills |
Reading |
Writing |
Science |
Computer |
Music |
| 2:00p-4:00p |
Social Play |
Play Group |
YMCA |
Sun. School |
Play Date |
Community |
Ed. Programs |
| 4:00p-5:00p |
Quiet Time… |
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| 5:00p-6:00p |
Dinner |
Set Table |
Assist with |
Preparing |
Food |
Dishes |
Clean-Up |
| 6:00p-7:30p |
Family Time |
Walking |
Games |
Talking |
Connecting |
With |
Family |
| 7:30p-8:30p |
Bedtime |
Routine |
Bathing |
Pajamas |
Brush Teeth |
Books |
Calming |
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| Self Care |
Life Skills |
Gross Motor |
Community |
Academic |
Social Skills |
Down Time |
Fine Motor |
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WORKING TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE
Self Care
The importance of self care impacts a person’s hygiene, as well as self esteem. It is crucial that a child with Autism learns these skills early. Due to the length of learning time, these skills will only get better with consistent practice and participation. These skills may include but are not limited to: combing hair, brushing teeth, washing hands, toileting, and grooming.
The following is a checklist created by the Metro SPLISE West Metro Autism Network in 2001, and was used in a special presentation for goal setting in Autism and education. Included are specific [...] self-help skills which will allow teachers, parents, and therapists plan effective interventions for the student with Autism.
Self-help Skills 1
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| Early Childhood to Elementary |
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| 1. Identifies basic sensory states (hunger, tired) |
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| 2. Independently uses the toilet |
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| 3. Eats independently using utensils |
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| 4. Brushes own teeth |
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| 5. Washes own hands and face |
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| 6. Knows to wash hands and/or face when dirty |
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| 7. Dresses self |
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| 8. Takes off and puts on own outer clothes |
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| 9. Takes care of own materials |
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Self-help Skills 2
| Age in Years |
2 |
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21 |
| Elementary to Junior High |
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| 1. Gets own lunch, finds seat, and eats |
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| 2. Finds own materials from others |
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| 3. Knows how to get permission to go to the bathroom |
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| 4. Leaves room and independently goes to the bathroom |
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| 5. Independently bathes self |
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| 6. Combs and brushes own hair |
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| 7. Demonstrates knowledge of personal information |
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| 8. Uses the phone and phone book |
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Self-help Skills 3
| Age in Years |
2 |
3 |
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10 |
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14 |
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21 |
| Junior High to Senior High |
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| 1. Knows how to take bus |
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| 2. Demonstrates good hygiene |
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| 3. Understands money management |
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| 4. Uses locker rooms |
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| 5. Knows how to keep a checkbook |
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| 6. Knows how to fill out a job application |
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| Senior High to Adulthood |
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| 1. Knows how to access transportation |
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| 2. Is on time for appointments |
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| 3. Manages own medications |
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| 4. Manages own finances |
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