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Essential Life Skills to Teach Your Child with Autism: What I Learned from My Son’s SPED Class

Writer's picture: Milette Milette

essential skills autism

When my son was diagnosed with autism, I remember feeling completely lost. I didn’t know where to start, and even as the years went by, every stage brought new challenges. It’s been almost a decade since then, but I can still recall those feelings vividly.


One thing I’ve always been grateful for is having the resources to fund my son’s therapy and schooling. This gave me access to invaluable insights and strategies from educators and experts that helped us along the way.


Now, when I see parents struggling—especially those waiting for therapy slots or facing financial difficulties—I can’t help but think of how overwhelming it must feel for them. I know how hard it is to navigate this journey without guidance.





Thankfully, I saved some notes and resources from my son’s special education class, and I want to share them. This contains life skills and activities you can definitely teach at home and will help your kid with autism.


My intention isn’t to copy or infringe on any rights but to provide a starting point for parents who feel lost.


These strategies are practical, and while they require effort, they’re not overly complicated. I truly hope they can make a difference for families navigating similar challenges.


Special Education Life Skills Activities for Kids with Autism


Here are some essential skills you can teach your little ones at home, based on the guidelines I received from my son’s Special Education (SPED) class.


ATTENDING SKILLS

  1. Establishing eye contact

  2. Increasing eye contact

  3. Making eye contact in response to their name

  4. Maintaining eye contact for 5 seconds

  5. Making eye contact while playing

  6. Coming when called

  7. Sitting for a longer period of time

  8. Sitting while doing tasks

SELF-HELP SKILLS

TOILETING

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Expressive Skills

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Expressive Skills

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Receptive Language

UNDERSTANDING DANGER AND SAFETY SIGNS

PERCEPTUAL - COGNITIVE SKILLS: Pre-Reading Exercises

PERCEPTUAL - COGNITIVE SKILLS: Number Readiness

PERCEPTUAL - COGNITIVE SKILLS: Science

PSYCHOMOTOR SKILLS: Fine Motor Skills

PSYCHOMOTOR SKILLS: Gross Motor Skills


 

Notes from the Spectrum Mommy

Remember, every small step counts, and your efforts are making a bigger difference than you may realize. The journey with autism may not always be easy, but with patience, love, and the right guidance, our little ones can thrive. Keep believing in their potential—you’re doing an amazing job!






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