Teaching Life Skills

Classroom Teaching vs. Real Settings

Although it would be preferable that life skills be learnt in a ‘real setting’ such as a shop, the cinema or on board the bus or train, this could prove quite overwhelming for the child or young person with autism due to confusing stimuli.

Social Narratives

Carol Gray states that ‘A Social Narrative is used to describe a situation, skill, or concept in terms of relevant social cues, perspectives, and common responses in a specifically defined style and format.

Structured Tasks

Structure is key for those with autism who experience differences in their receptive and expressive language, and the chronological order of necessary steps to complete a task; which task to complete and/or how to cope with a change in their normal routine.

Task Oriented Approach vs. Process Oriented Approach

This section discusses the methods involved in a task orientated approach and a process orientated approach teaching skills.

Teaching Life Skills within the Curriculum

Practical ideas to promote life skills within the curriculum.

The Hidden Curriculum

The hidden curriculum is defined as ‘the unwritten rules or guidelines in relation to attitudes, beliefs, terminology, behaviour and social interaction/ situations which are often not directly taught but are considered to be known and universally understood’.

Video Modelling

Video modelling involves showing the child or young person a video of a model, whether that is themselves or another person, performing a skill.