How Occupational Therapy Can Support Independence
Julia McKay, MS, OTR/L
Self-care routines are essential for promoting independence, building confidence, and a sense of autonomy in children. For many families, helping their children develop these skills at home can be challenging, especially if they are the parents of a Complex Learner. These types of students can struggle with self-care tasks for a variety of reasons, including difficulty with sequencing, visual-motor skills, bilateral coordination skills, fine motor skills, and sensory processing, to name a few. As an Occupational Therapist, I work with families to provide them with valuable strategies to support and enhance their child’s self-care routines, foster independence, and increase their child’s. So, how can you help your child develop more independence when it comes to self-care routines at home? Read on to learn more!
Why Self-Care Routines Matter
Before we get into strategies, let’s talk about the importance of self-care routines. As adults, our self-care tasks are ingrained in our daily routines, and we often don’t even think about them. However, for Complex Learners, these tasks require many challenging skills, including coordination, planning, sequencing, and time management. While they might have challenges, self-care routines are important for fostering a sense of independence and improving quality of life. Occupational Therapists can help break down self-care tasks, both at school and at home, into smaller, more manageable steps, addressing motor skills, sensory processing, cognitive planning, and independence in a holistic way. With appropriate supports in place, our kids can learn how to carry out these routines with limited assistance, gaining more confidence in their abilities and building a foundation for their future years.
OT Strategies To Use At Home
- Use Visual Supports
This comes first for a reason, it is so important! A visual schedule, picture sequencing cards, or a checklist can help break down each self-care task into simpler, more manageable steps for your children. Using pictures provides clear cues that reinforce what has been completed already, and what needs to be done, which can be incredibly helpful for children who struggle with verbal/written instructions. For example, if your child struggles with brushing their teeth, you can post a step-by-step visual with pictures on the mirror so they can follow along and promote more independence in the skill. - Create a Routine with Consistency
Establishing a routine is crucial for children learning self-care tasks. A consistent sequence of steps allows them to anticipate and prepare for the task ahead. Modifying the routine to best fit your schedule and lifestyle is important for success, so that your child is able to remain consistent with it. Consistency is key! Occupational therapists can help families establish a predictable routine, whether it’s before or after meals, during a particular time of day, or as part of bedtime rituals. Consistency reinforces the task and helps children become more independent over time. So, consider what works for your family and reach out to an OT to help build a routine just for your child.
- Promote Sensory Awareness
Sensory processing difficulties can make self-care routines challenging, especially when it comes to bathing, brushing teeth, or dressing. Occupational therapists can help by offering the appropriate tools, like weighted blankets/vests, or using sensory-friendly products (e.g., flavored toothpaste, soft/tagless clothing). This is where occupational therapists shine! We use our knowledge of the sensory systems and establish creative interventions/strategies to help our kids maintain a regulated state. Additionally, incorporating sensory breaks (i.e., jumping jacks, building a pillow fort, bear hugs for deep pressure) before starting self-care routines can help children manage sensory overload and focus better on the task at hand by providing your child the sensory input they need.
Supporting independence in self-care routines is not only about teaching skills but also about fostering a sense of confidence. Through individualized interventions and practical strategies, Occupational Therapists help children and individuals with disabilities gain the skills necessary for performing daily tasks at home. By breaking down tasks, using visual supports, and adapting routines to each child’s needs, families can create an environment where children can thrive independently, paving the way for greater success and autonomy in their everyday lives. The Wolf School is incredibly lucky to have a talented team of occupational therapists. If this blog post resonated with you or if you notice your child is struggling with self-care tasks at home, reach out to your classroom OT – we are here and ready to help!