Learning how to do chores teaches organizational and other critical life skills. These steps build to what a person needs to reach their full potential, feel a sense of competence and capability, and live in the appropriate housing setting for their needs.

Based on your loved one’s age and developmental level, start small with a task with simple steps and then build on that. Be aware that autistic people may not transfer a task in one setting to another, so explaining and watching for signs of understanding can be helpful. Before you do the next step, ask your loved one what comes next.

Using Visuals to Learn

If your loved one is having a hard time learning a skill for doing a chore, you can try giving them step by step visuals that show each step of what to do in order. Or you could start with what it will look like when it’s done, and the steps for how it got that way in backwards order. You may hear a professional call this forward or backwards chaining.

Take a picture of the step by step list that you could make a laminated visual checklist or make a flip book that they can flip through. You could attach a dry erase pen with velcro. Or find a short video online of the task for them to watch to learn the steps, which professionals call video modeling. The Milestones Visual Supports Tool Kit features related information and resources.

Give your loved one manageable tasks they can master to move up to the next level task. It’s vital to be able to handle daily housekeeping activities and learn organizational skills in order to gain independence.