Adaptive Development
"Everyone is big enough to do something!" |
Adaptive development is how your child takes care of their needs and age appropriate independent functioning. Adaptive skills include things like daily living skills (e.g. toileting, feeding, dressing), motor (movement) skills, social and coping skills, and functional communication.
Watch THESE video about supporting adaptive skills at home!
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To support your child's adaptive skills development, it is important to give your child just the right amount of help. It's like Goldilocks- not too much, not too little, JUST RIGHT! When you give too much assistance, your child is not practicing the skills he or she needs to become independent. If you give too little assistance, your child may become frustrated and shut down. Wait and watch! Give your child a chance to complete tasks independently.
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You can support your child by modeling what he or she has to do first, get your child started, complete only a small part of the task, or provide hand-over-hand assistance. However, only give him or her the minimum amount of support he or she needs to be successful. Things may take longer or get a little messy, but it's OK! Practice is important!